[UPDATED] Man with 41 criminal records among two shot dead in Jitra [WATCH]

New Straits Times

14 hours ago

JITRA: A man with a past record of over 40 criminal-related offences and his accomplice were shot dead in a shootout with police near the Bandar Darul Aman exit of the North-South Expressway this morning.
The 8.05am incident unfolded when a team from the Kedah Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Bukit Aman, who were patrolling the area, noticed two suspicious-looking men in a four-wheel-drive vehicle and attempted to stop it for inspection.
Kedah police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh said the suspects refused to comply and instead opened fire, prompting officers to return fire.
"Both suspects were killed during the exchange.
"A search of the vehicle uncovered two firearms — a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol — along with several live rounds, a machete, and tools believed to be used in criminal activities," he told reporters at the scene.
As a result of the incident, the southbound exit at Bandar Darul Aman was closed to traffic for four hours from 8.30am.
Fisol said checks showed that one of the suspects, aged 41, had a past record of 41 criminal-related offences.
The identity of the second suspect remains unknown, as no identification documents were found on him.
He added that the duo are believed to be members of a larger criminal gang involved in violent crimes nationwide.
"Their activities include drug trafficking, gangsterism, factory break-ins, and armed robbery.
"Investigations suggest this group has been active since 2020.
"So far, the forensic unit has recovered three bullet casings at the scene, and investigations are ongoing," he said.
The bodies of both suspects have been sent to the Forensic Department at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar for post-mortem.
The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder.
Meanwhile, Bukit Aman CID acting director Datuk Fadil Marsus, who was also present at the scene, said both suspects are believed to be part of a criminal syndicate involved in multiple serious crimes.
"We are investigating whether they are linked to a group operating in Klang, Selangor.
"The syndicate is believed to have over 30 members, and police will take more aggressive action moving forward.
"Investigations are ongoing," he said.