KUCHING: The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has successfully crippled an organised crime group involved in violent offences across Sarawak following special operations codenamed ‘Ops Pusak Merah’.
The operations, led by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in collaboration with the Sarawak Police Contingent (IPK), targeted a syndicate engaged in crimes such as robbery causing injury, arson, grievous hurt, rioting with weapons, and extortion.
Bukit Aman CID Director, Datuk M. Kumar S. Muthuvelu, said the group was led by a 41-year-old local man and comprised 26 members aged between 19 and 44, most of whom are repeat offenders.
The syndicate has been active since 2020.
“Between April 19 and April 23, a total of 23 local suspects were arrested. All are currently being remanded under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) until May 18,” he said in a statement.
Police also seized a pump gun, several 12-bore cartridges, two samurai swords, and two long machetes during the operation.
He added that investigations revealed that the group was involved in multiple serious offences, including murder, gang robbery, arson, causing grievous injury, criminal intimidation, housebreaking, vehicle theft, drug trafficking and operating illegal gambling activities.
“The syndicate’s modus operandi involved extorting ‘protection money’ from businesses, attacking premises that refused to comply, issuing threats, and committing acts of violence to expand their influence and gain material benefits.
“With the arrests, police have managed to solve approximately 25 cases and dismantle a violent crime syndicate operating in Sarawak,” Kumar said.
He added that authorities have identified three additional members who are still at large, with efforts ongoing to track them down.
The Attorney General’s Chambers has agreed to charge all 26 members, including those still at large, under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code for being part of an organised criminal group.
The offence carries a prison sentence of between five and 20 years upon conviction. The charges are set to be brought before the Sessions Court here today.
Kumar noted that since assuming his post in August 2025, Bukit Aman CID has taken action under Section 130V, successfully dismantling six organised crime groups and charging 81 suspects in court.
He stressed that the department remains committed to combating organised crime, gangsterism and violent offences to ensure public safety and wellbeing.
Police also urged members of the public to continue providing information to assist authorities in curbing criminal activities.
