Police's determination prevails in shootout against triad gang

While congratulating the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the success had also opened the eyes of many, particularly those who underestimated the credibility of the police force.

"This success proves that they are indeed determined to combat crime, particularly those involving firearms, which have been rampant of late. It also proves that they have discharged their duties in a detailed and efficient manners to ensure that the criminals were successfully defeated," he said.

Lee said this in response to the shootout at an apartment in Sungai Nibong in Penang at 4.30 am today where five members of a triad gang, who were also believed to be hired killers wanted for murders and attempted murders in three states, were shot dead.

Police also recovered three guns from them, namely a silver Norinco, a silver .38 revolver and a black Walther PPK.

Commenting further, Lee said the success also proved the efficiency and the quick action taken by the police in carrying out raids and taking any action against criminals.

"They (the police) must have made a very careful planning, carried out intelligence activity and collected public tip-off before successfully defeated the criminals, especially those who were wanted for serious or violent crimes," he said.

Meanwhile, president of the United Anti-Crime Organisation of Malaysia Datuk Dr A. Balakrishnan said the incident proved that the security forces were very attentive and responsive to community concerns especially concerning gun-related crimes.

"They know the community was disturbed and scared by the series of gun-related crimes which have been rampant of late. So, they are determined and committed to combat the crimes. With this success, it goes to prove that they really practiced what they preached," he said.

As such, he said the organisation hoped that the police would continue fighting crime in the future in order to improve the image of the team in the eyes of the society and the world.

Commenting on this morning's incident, Balakrishan said the five men were probably involved in several shooting cases reported in the media.

"However, further and detailed investigation should be done in order to prove it. If it is true, I would like to congratulate the police for successfully defeating criminals who are considered dangerous and violent," he said.

Following the many cases of gun-related murders reported lately, the police had also set up a special taskforce to investigate the cases closely.