A dramatic shootout at noon today resulted in the deaths of three suspected car thieves after they allegedly opened fire at police officers in Rawang.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director, Shuhaily Zain, revealed that two of the suspects had extensive police records, with a combined total of 68 offences, mostly related to vehicle theft and robbery, as reported by Harian Metro.

Shuhaily stated that the suspects were believed to have employed a strategy of renting cars and changing their number plates to target four-wheel-drive vehicles for theft.

"Based on intelligence, the suspects rented a car today and changed its number plate, so we believe they were about to commit another theft," he explained.

Police officers intercepted the group in a housing area in Kota Emerald. However, when officers identified themselves and attempted to stop them, the suspects reportedly opened fire, leading to a chase that lasted approximately 750 meters. During the pursuit, an exchange of gunfire occurred, resulting in the deaths of all three suspects.

Following the shootout, police recovered a semi-automatic pistol, a gadget used to deactivate vehicle alarms, two masks, five suspected fake license plates, three rolls of cellophane tape, and two parangs from the suspects' vehicle.

Shuhaily confirmed that two of the suspects were aged 40 and 43, while the age of the third suspect has yet to be determined.

The operation was part of Op Lejang, an initiative launched last year to combat car theft in Malaysia. Shuhaily emphasized the significance of this development in curbing vehicle-related crimes.

Source: FMT