Ex-enforcement officer with 106 criminal and drug offences charged over pickup truck theft

Batu Pahat: Former enforcement officer Mohammad Azri Mohd Kassim, 45, faces charges for allegedly stealing a Toyota Hilux, according to prosecutors. This is not Azri's first offense, as he has a long history of 106 criminal and drug-related convictions. The alleged theft took place on August 11 at a car park in Taman Ceria, around 7:05pm.

Azri was charged under Section 379A of the Penal Code, which deals with vehicle theft, in conjunction with Section 34 for joint criminal liability. A friend was present at the time of the alleged theft, and together they managed to detain Azri when they discovered two unknown men inside the stolen vehicle. The accomplice is still at large.

If convicted, Azri could face up to seven years in prison and a fine. The complainant parked the vehicle near a hotel before heading to a nearby market. Upon returning, he found the Toyota Hilux with two unknown men inside. Police were alerted, and Azri was brought to the magistrates court where he pleaded not guilty. The court denied bail and set October 9 for further submissions.