MIRI: Nine people have been arrested in connection with a pre-dawn gang robbery at a house in Miri, with police making the first arrests within 24 hours of the attack.
The break-in occurred at about 4.48 am on Mar 27 at a property in Goodwill Garden along Jalan Sepupok, Batu Niah, while the occupant was inside.
Police said a group of suspects forced their way through the front door, restrained the victim and fled with valuables, including two mobile phones, a tablet and two gold rings.
According to Miri Police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah, officers launched Op Casa shortly after receiving the report, deploying a team from the district’s Criminal Investigation Department. Five suspects were detained within 24 hours, with further operations leading to four more arrests.
Those held include eight men and one woman, all Malaysian nationals aged between 17 and 48. They are being remanded at Miri Central Police Station as investigations continue.
Police have also recovered items believed to have been stolen during the robbery, including a mobile phone and two gold rings.
All nine suspects tested positive for drugs following initial screening.
The case is being investigated under Section 395 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and may include whipping upon conviction.
Police are now examining whether the group is linked to other similar offences in the area.
Mohd Farhan said the speed of the arrests reflected a coordinated response by officers on the ground.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, as police step up efforts to curb violent crime in residential areas.
