A 42-year-old lorry driver, who appeared to lead an ordinary life, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in 16 break-ins at government offices and a residence across six districts in Johor.
The suspect was arrested at an ice factory in Skudai last Sunday following police intelligence and information provided by the public.
District police chief Superintendent Hadzrat Hussien Mion Hussien said the man acted alone and specifically targeted safes and cash kept at government premises.
“The suspect focused on offices of the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) and the Farmers’ Organisation Authority (LPP), believing that cash stored in safes was easy to access,” he said at a press conference.
To avoid detection, the suspect allegedly cut off electricity supplies to prevent alarm systems from being activated before breaking into the premises.
The break-ins occurred in Pontian, Batu Pahat, Kluang, Kulai, Johor Baru Utara and Iskandar Puteri. Initial investigations linked the suspect to 13 break-ins at Nadi offices, two at LPP offices and one residential burglary.
Six Nadi offices in Pontian alone were targeted, including those in Benut, Permas, Kayu Ara Pasong, Ayer Baloi and two locations in Pontian town.
Police seized various items believed to be proceeds of crime, including a motorcycle, safes, metal-cutting tools, mobile phones, jewellery, pawnshop receipts and electronic equipment. Losses were estimated at RM24,000.
Checks revealed the suspect has four prior criminal records. He has been remanded for six days until Jan 2 to assist investigations under Section 457 of the Penal Code.
