KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 — Police have arrested 17 members of a violent organised crime group that had been terrorising Klang and other districts in several states, including its suspected leader.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalil Ismail said the group was linked to violent crimes including murder, armed robbery and drug peddling, with the proceeds used to fund the gang’s activities.

“Members of the group were also involved in an assault using a firearm and machete in front of a shop in Kampung Sentosa, Klang, that went viral,” Mohd Khalil told a press conference held at the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman.

The attack took place in March this year, killing two people. Ten men in ski masks used machetes and possibly a gun to attack the victims in an incident that was entirely recorded on CCTV. The clip was later leaked on the internet.

South Klang police said the suspected murders were gang-related. Both the victims had prior criminal records. 

Mohd Khalil said the police believe the group has 33 members to date, many still on the loose. The gang had been active since 2023, with crimes committed Penang, Perak, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, the police chief added.

The 17 members that were arrested, aged between 19 and 44, have 80 prior records for serious crimes, and 34 records for drug-related offences. 

“We think they are formed because they wanted power, influence and material gains,” the IGP said.

All seventeen members were arrested under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), and will be probed under various laws including for memberships of an organised crime group and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA).

“The success of taking them down is a clear and strong message to any quarters that threaten harmony and peace will be dealt with with the law without compromise,” Mohd Khalil said.

“I’d like to say again we have no tolerance for any organised crime groups or any type of groups or individuals who threaten law and order.”