KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has crippled the Rusaboy Gang, an organised crime group active in various violent crimes in Kedah and Penang, following the arrest of 17 individuals during an operation codenamed Op Tiga.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar said the special operation was carried out through cooperation involving the Bukit Aman CID, the Special Branch, and the Kedah CID.
“The organised crime group, active in Sungai Petani, Kulim, and several locations in Penang, comprises around 35 members and is led by a 36-year-old local man known as Rames, who is believed to still be in the country.
“The group is suspected of being involved in various violent crimes, including robbery, causing serious injuries, murder, and drug trafficking, as well as extortion activities,” he said during a media conference at the Bukit Aman police headquarters today.
Each member was assigned specific roles, including attack teams, collection, and drug distribution teams. The gang also actively recruited new members from local areas and beyond.
The group is also believed to be involved in two murder cases using sharp weapons, in attacks believed to be linked to turf disputes in 2024.
Kumar added that all 17 men, aged 24 to 42, were arrested during the operation conducted from November 27 to December 4.
Initial checks revealed that all suspects have prior criminal records, including murder, armed gang robbery, causing serious injuries, and drug trafficking.
“Of the 17 detained, seven had previously been arrested in 2020 under Section 130V of the Penal Code, convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment before being released in January 2024.
“However, after their release, they became active again in organised crime activities,” he said.
Those detained are being investigated under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) and are scheduled to be charged at the Sungai Petani Sessions Court in Kedah tomorrow.
Kumar noted that using Sosma allows police not only to detain the main perpetrators but also to track the organised crime group's entire network, including its hierarchy and financial support, and to safeguard witnesses.
Following the arrests, the police are actively tracking down the remaining 15 gang members, including Rames.
He said the CID has also identified several other criminal groups, and police are actively pursuing them and taking action.
At the same time, Kumar urged the public not to join such groups to avoid facing legal action.
