Police nab two ex-convicts in Johor over 11 cases involving housebreaking, robbery and theft

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Sept 15 — Two previously incarcerated men, aged 26 and 27, have been rearrested in Johor for their suspected involvement in 11 separate criminal cases, including home invasions, theft and robbery. Iskandar Puteri police chief Superintendent Saifullah Jaya reported the arrests took place on September 5 in the Tanjung Kupang and Kangkar Pulai regions.

The detainees, who previously served time in Pokok Sena Prison in Kedah in 2023 for criminal and drug offenses, had recently moved to Johor to work in a factory before being laid off in March. Saifullah revealed that the suspects were active during early hours, targeting unoccupied homes and stealing items like postal packages, including disposable diapers.

They were also allegedly responsible for a July 28 robbery at a Gelang Patah data center construction site, where they tied up a security guard and stole copper cables worth RM50,000. Following the arrests, authorities seized a laptop, three cameras, four mobile phones, pawn tickets, gold sale receipts, and other items. The 26-year-old, with 11 prior convictions, is believed to have been the mastermind, while his 27-year-old accomplice, with 31 prior convictions, was less experienced.

Both tested positive for methamphetamine. The investigation into the suspects helped solve multiple other cases, including home invasions, shop break-ins, construction site robbery, trespassing, and postal parcel theft. Both individuals have been detained until Friday to aid further investigations under Penal Code sections 379, 457, 395, and 397.