NINE alleged members of an organised crime gang, known as the Sunset Gang, are scheduled to be charged at the Sungai Petani Sessions Court in Kedah on Thursday over their suspected involvement in organised criminal activities linked to 20 property and violent crime cases.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar said the group was dismantled during Op Sunset, conducted from Sept 24 to 27 in Kedah and Perak, involving Bukit Aman and the Kedah contingent's Criminal Investigation Department.
He said the group comprised nine members aged between 28 and 52 and was led by a 30-year-old local man. It was believed to have been active since early 2024, carrying out armed group robberies and assaults in Kedah.
“Police arrested six suspects aged between 28 and 39, while three other members are serving prison sentences at Sungai Buloh Prison, Pokok Sena Prison and Sungai Petani Prison for other criminal offences,” he said in a recent statement.
The six arrested suspects are being detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) until Oct 25.
Kumar said checks found that several suspects had previous records involving vehicle theft, housebreaking, drug abuse and armed group robberies that caused serious injuries.
During the operation, police seized six mobile phones and 189 ecstasy pills weighing an estimated 101.12g. The drug seizure is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
He said the group allegedly targeted foreign nationals' homes, business premises and residential properties identified by its leader. Members allegedly used dangerous weapons, including knives and machetes, during robberies and were prepared to injure victims to carry out their crimes.
“Valuables obtained from the robberies were sold for cash, while the proceeds were distributed by the group leader among members according to their roles and involvement,” he said.
The alleged activities caused losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of ringgit and left victims fearful and traumatised, with some suffering serious injuries, he added.
Kumar said the investigation papers had been referred to the Attorney-General's Chambers' Serious Crime Unit, and prosecutors had agreed that all nine members be charged under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code, which concerns membership of an organised criminal group. - October 22, 2026