PM Anwar orders transparent probe into Melaka shooting, custodial deaths

CYBERJAYA (Dec 5): The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has been instructed to conduct transparent, open and detailed investigations without protecting any party in relation to the shooting incident in Durian Tunggal, Melaka, as well as cases of deaths in custody in the country.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Cabinet welcomes the firm stance taken by PDRM in acting against criminals and those who violate the law.

However, he stressed that every complaint involving misconduct or non-compliance with procedures in such cases must be investigated openly.

“I have directed the Inspector-General of Police to continue the investigations transparently and without protecting anyone.

“We do not shield criminals, but we also do not protect actions, including by police personnel, that go against the principles of the rule of law,” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers with about 1,500 congregants at the Cyberjaya 10 Mosque here today.

Anwar said he had asked Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail to present a detailed, transparent, open and professional report to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on the matter.

On Wednesday, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M Kumar said a special team had been set up to investigate claims made by family members of three male suspects who were shot dead in Durian Tunggal, Melaka on Nov 24, after expressing dissatisfaction over the police action.

On the same day, Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said the three suspects, aged between 24 and 29, were shot dead after one of them swung a machete at a police corporal during an operation at an oil palm estate in Durian Tunggal.

The 4.30 am incident left the corporal, in his early 30s, with severe injuries to his left arm.

All three suspects from the Durian Tunggal Gang were believed to be en route to commit a robbery and had been active since 2024, linked to 20 cases in Melaka and one each in Negeri Sembilan and Selangor, involving total losses of RM1.35 million.

Meanwhile, the media reported that Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo has urged the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to provide clarification regarding allegations involving a lorry driver who died in police custody but whose case has yet to be investigated after more than nine months. – Bernama