A local crime group allegedly targeting foreigners, including Rohingya individuals, has been dismantled following the arrest of four men believed to be involved in a series of robberies last month.
Kubang Pasu district police chief Superintendent Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahim said the suspects, aged between 22 and 37, were arrested in separate locations in Kodiang, Kangar, Perlis and Ipoh, Perak.
He said the arrests were carried out by teams from the Kubang Pasu district police headquarters and Kedah police contingent following a report lodged by a 28-year-old Rohingya man who claimed he had been robbed.
The victim reportedly told police that three masked men broke into his rented home in Kampung Kodiang Lama at about 1.30am on August 17. The suspects, dressed in dark clothing and wearing masks and gloves, allegedly knocked on his door before attacking and threatening him with an object believed to be a knife.
The victim claimed the men forced him to hand over several valuables, including two necklaces, a ring, a pendant, a pair of earrings, two mobile phones and a wallet containing a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) card.
He also suffered injuries to his hand and right leg, as well as a wound to his abdomen, Mohd Radzi said.
Following the arrests, police seized several items believed to be linked to the robbery. Investigators believe the group may be connected to 13 robbery cases reported around Kodiang, with foreigners, including Rohingya individuals, allegedly among their targets.
Mohd Radzi said only one victim had come forward to lodge a police report so far, raising concerns that other robbery cases involving foreigners may have gone unreported.
He said victims might have remained silent due to fear, concerns over their personal safety or a lack of awareness about their legal rights in Malaysia.
“Being a foreigner does not mean a person is outside the protection of the law or can be treated as an easy target by criminals.
“We are in a country with comprehensive laws. Even stray dogs are protected by law, let alone human beings. We must not allow perceptions or ongoing issues to turn anyone into a ‘soft target’,” he said.
Mohd Radzi urged anyone in Malaysia, regardless of nationality or background, including Rohingya, Bangladeshi and Indian nationals, to report to the police if they become victims of crime.
The suspects are being investigated as police continue efforts to determine the full extent of the group’s alleged activities.
