Bukit Aman arrests 21 secret society members in Sarawak over violent crime spree

M. Kumar Muthuvelu. Photo credit: Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah - JSJ PDRM Facebook

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, April 16: Police have arrested 21 members of a secret society group suspected of being involved in a series of violent crimes in Kota Samarahan, Kuching, Simunjan and Padawan, including extortion, assault, robbery and rioting using weapons.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar Muthuvelu said the arrests were made following a special operation codenamed “Op Pusak Merah”, carried out jointly by Bukit Aman CID’s D9 unit and the Sarawak CID.

He said the operation, conducted on April 15, targeted groups believed to have been actively involved in violent criminal activities in the four areas since 2024.

“During the operation, 21 local men aged between 19 and 44 were arrested at several separate locations.

“Initial police checks showed that all suspects had prior criminal records involving offences such as rioting, causing grievous hurt, robbery, mischief and drug-related offences,” he said in a statement today.

M. Kumar added that all suspects have been remanded for six days from April 15 to 20 under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code to assist investigations.

The case is being investigated under several provisions of the Penal Code, including Section 148 for rioting while armed, Section 326 for voluntarily causing grievous hurt using dangerous weapons, Section 384 for extortion, Section 394 for causing hurt during robbery, Section 427 for mischief, and Section 436 for mischief by fire or explosive substances.

M. Kumar said the operation was part of ongoing efforts by police to dismantle syndicates involved in violent crimes that have caused fear among residents in the affected areas.

He added that police are continuing efforts to track down other individuals believed to be linked to the group who remain at large.

“The Royal Malaysia Police remains committed to taking firm and continuous action against any parties involved in gangsterism and violent crimes to ensure public safety and order,” he said, urging the public to cooperate by providing information to authorities. — DayakDaily