Police cripple suspected gang network in Sarawak, 21 detained in coordinated crackdown
KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 – Police have arrested 21 individuals believed to be linked to secret society activities following a large-scale enforcement operation across multiple districts in Sarawak.
The arrests were carried out under Ops Pusak Merah, a joint effort between the Special Investigation Division (D9) of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department and the Sarawak police contingent.
CID director M. Kumar said the suspects, aged between 19 and 44, were apprehended in separate raids conducted in Kota Samarahan, Kuching, Simunjan and Padawan.
Operation targets groups active since 2024
He said the operation focused on criminal groups believed to have been actively involved in violent activities since 2024, including offences that have disrupted public order.
The crackdown aims to dismantle networks that have shown increasing levels of aggression in recent years.
Criminal backgrounds identified
Preliminary checks revealed that all suspects have prior criminal records, ranging from rioting and causing serious injuries to robbery and drug-related offences.
This suggests a pattern of repeated involvement in criminal activities.
Suspects remanded for investigation
All individuals have been remanded for six days until April 20 to facilitate further investigations.
They are being investigated under multiple provisions of the Penal Code, including offences involving armed rioting, grievous hurt using dangerous weapons, extortion and robbery, as well as mischief and arson.
Manhunt for remaining members continues
Authorities indicated that efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend other individuals connected to the network.
Operation aimed at weakening syndicates
The operation is seen as a significant step in disrupting syndicates linked to extortion and violent crime, which have caused concern among local communities.
Firm stance against organised crime
Police reiterated their commitment to taking decisive action against gangsterism and organised crime.
Members of the public have been encouraged to provide information to assist in ongoing enforcement efforts.
-wilayah.com.my
