By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 5: A total of nine suspects, including eight men and one woman, have been arrested by the Kuching District Police throughout February for their involvement in a series of housebreaking, theft, and possession of dangerous weapons, including a homemade air rifle, across Tabuan Jaya, Gita, and Jalan Laman Cenderawasih.
Kuching District Police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah disclosed that the arrests, with the suspects aged between 18 and 50, were part of an intensified police effort to curb rising property crimes and ensure public safety.
“Two men were caught red-handed in connection with a housebreaking case in Tabuan Jaya, where victims suffered estimated losses of RM20,000. Police also seized a blue Honda Wave Alpha motorcycle believed to have been used in the crime,” he said in a statement today.
Investigations revealed both suspects had prior drug-related criminal records, and initial urine tests confirmed one tested positive for drugs.
The duo was also linked to two additional housebreaking cases and two theft incidents, which remain under investigation.
The case is being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years, with repeat offenders facing whipping or fines. They also face charges under Section 379 of the Penal Code, which stipulates a seven-year jail term, a fine, or both for theft.
In a separate case in Jalan Laman Cenderawasih, police arrested two men and one woman for obstructing public servants from performing their duties and carrying dangerous weapons.
“Authorities seized a Proton Saga with a fake registration plate and various housebreaking tools. All three suspects had criminal records, and their urine tests came back positive for drugs. One of the men was also found to be involved in a theft case in Sungai Maong,” Mohd Farhan said.
They are being investigated under Section 186 of the Penal Code, which carries a prison sentence of up to two years or a fine of RM10,000, or both. Additionally, they face charges under Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Dangerous Weapons Act 1958, which could result in a two-year jail sentence and whipping.
The third operation led to the arrest of four men in Gita for possession of dangerous weapons and suspected involvement in cable theft.
“Police seized a Perodua Myvi, a homemade air rifle, and tools believed to have been used for stealing cables.
“All four suspects had past criminal and drug-related offenses, and urine screenings confirmed they tested positive for drugs. One suspect was also linked to a cable theft case in Gita,” he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 8 of the Firearms Act 1960, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison or a fine of RM10,000, or both.
Mohd Farhan has called on the public to remain vigilant and assist law enforcement in combating crime.
“We urge the community to report any suspicious individuals and refrain from purchasing stolen goods such as electrical equipment and cut telecommunication cables,” he said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Kuching District Police Headquarters at 082-244444 or report to the nearest police station. — DayakDaily
