Penang shooting, airport cannabis haul and RM260m oil seizure among key crime cases this week

A manhunt is ongoing for two men who shot and injured a 43-year-old mechanic in Penang on August 3. The victim was hit in his right palm during an attack by suspects on a motorcycle. The victim fled 50 meters before jumping a fence to safety. Police are investigating the motive behind the shooting.

Security concerns at Malaysian airports have been highlighted once again when a 62-year-old Malaysian was arrested on August 31 at Chennai International Airport, India, after attempting to board a flight. The man carried 3.452kg of hydroponic cannabis, valued at around RM520,000, concealed in a false-bottom compartment of his checked-in baggage. This marks the second incident in a month involving a Malaysian with hydroponic cannabis in Chennai.

The Home Minister, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, acknowledged gaps in Malaysia's outbound and inbound security systems, especially at airports, and stated that the government is taking measures to bolster security checks.

In Putrajaya, a 30-year-old cook was arrested on August 31 after five police reports were lodged against him for causing disturbances and provoking the public during National Day celebrations at Dataran Putrajaya. The suspect was later found to have tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Police are waiting for further instructions from the Deputy Public Prosecutor's office.

Meanwhile, in Johor, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized two ships and an oil cargo worth an estimated RM260 million on September 1. The operation took place in Tanjung Buai waters after suspected illegal ship-to-ship transfer was detected. The MMEA detained a Malaysian tugboat and dredger, along with the oil cargo, under Sections 491B(1)(K) and (L) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 and the Customs Act 1967.