Leader of notorious Matruji gang shot dead

The leader of gang 'Matruji' who was top on the police wanted list was gunned down by police in a shootout at Taman Mas, here last night.

The gang leader, identified as Mat Ting War @ Matruji, 43, and believed to be the head of a gang comprising four to six other Indonesians, was shot dead in an exchange of fire with the police.

Selangor Deputy Police Chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Jaafar said the gang was believed to be responsible for 27 robberies in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang since 2005.

The drama unfolded when police who were patrolling the area spotted a suspicious looking individual in a Nissan Grand Livina car.

"When police advanced towards the car at about 9pm to inspect, the suspect ran into the bushes nearby before firing at the police. Police also returned fire and the suspect was shot in the cross-fire," he told reporters at the Sepang police headquarters, here today.

He said police found a made in Chezkolavakia (Vzor 70 CAL 7.65) automatic pistol and three 7.65 mm bullets in his possession.

Abdul Rahim said the Nissan Grand Lavina was believed to be the same car reported stolen in Sikamat, Negeri Sembilan, in May.

"Initial investigations revealed that the suspect was an illegal immigrant who was detained from 2009 to 2011 for robberies," he said adding that police were looking for his gang members who are believed to be in Selangor.