Latest news with #CommKumar
The Star
27-05-2025
- The Star
Three men to face charges for illegal money-lending activities
JOHOR BARU: Three local men will face multiple charges in the Johor Baru Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (May 28) for activities linked to an illegal money-lending syndicate. They are accused of engaging in acts of criminal intimidation and vandalism against loan defaulters. The suspects are aged 24 to 31 and were arrested on May 14 in various locations during a police operation by the Johor Baru North district police. Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the trio were allegedly paid by the loan shark syndicate to harass victims who failed to repay loans. He said that the three allegedly splashed paint and padlocked victims' homes as intimidation. "Our team seized several items linked to the crimes, including a motorcycle, mobile phones, cans of paint, face masks, stationery, and plastic packets containing dried leaves suspected to be drugs," he said. Comm Kumar added that all three suspects tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and were remanded until Wednesday. Police investigations revealed the group had been operating since April, receiving RM500 for every act of vandalism or threat. "The syndicate lured victims, especially Malaysians working in Singapore, through social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok, advertising quick and easy loans,' said Comm Kumar. "Even before agreeing to loan terms, money would be transferred to victims' bank accounts, followed by threats to force repayments with interest rates between 20% and 50%," he added. Comm Kumar said the arrests helped police solve eight cases with a similar modus operandi in Johor Baru and Batu Pahat. Eight investigation papers have been submitted to the Johor Prosecution Office, and the three suspects face several charges. They will face six charges under Section 427 of the Penal Code, one under Section 507, and one under Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Comm Kumar assured the public that Johor police are committed to cracking down on illegal money-lending activities. "We urge the public to avoid online loan advertisements and report any suspected unlicensed money-lending or criminal activity to the Johor police hotline at 019-2792095 or the operations room at 07-2212999," he said.
The Star
26-05-2025
- The Star
Recognition from Johor top cop spurs on policemen in their duties
(From left) Sjn Fauzi, Insp Abdul Usairi and Kpl Harvinder with their certificates at the assembly in Johor Baru. — THOMAS YONG/The Star IT WAS a proud moment for 25 police officers and personnel when they were awarded commendation certificates by Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar. The awards acknowledged their commitment and service in ensuring public safety and security. Among the recipients was Kpl Harvinder Singh, 37, who is attached to Taman Universiti police station under the Johor Baru North police district headquarters. The Ipoh-born cop serves in the crime prevention department of the police station in a busy Iskandar Puteri suburb. 'While out on patrol, we received information about drug trafficking activity taking place. 'We stopped a car for inspection. Inside the vehicle was a couple, and further checks found 180 packets of drugs,' Kpl Harvinder told StarMetro when met during the Johor police monthly assembly at state police headquarters in Johor Baru. With the arrest of the two suspects, he said they were able to curb drug trafficking activities. 'I feel very proud and happy to have been presented with the certificate.' Kpl Harvinder, who has served in the force for 15 years, never thought growing up that he would be a policeman. 'My dream was to become a doctor to save lives. 'However, fate decided that I would be able to do this wearing a policeman's uniform, and I am very proud to do so,' he shared. Another recipient, Sjn Mohd Fauzi Karto, 49, who is also attached to Taman Universiti police station, said this was his second commendation in his 29 years of service. The first was presented by Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat just before he retired as Johor police chief last year. 'Receiving such a certificate from our chief makes it all worthwhile, because it shows that our work and dedication are recognised,' he said. Inspector Abdul Usairi Saini, who is attached to Kulai police district headquarters narcotics department, received the certificate following the success of a police operation which led to the arrest of a drug trafficker earlier this year. 'Police had launched a major narcotics operation during which we had arrested a local man for possessing about 8kg of ecstasy powder. 'This certificate will surely give me the encouragement to carry out my duties well,' said the father of two from Kuching, Sarawak, who has been with the force since 2008. Earlier in his speech, Comm Kumar congratulated recipients for playing a major role in ensuring public order and safety. 'The public is always watching. Our actions, good or bad, are constantly under scrutiny. 'As men of law, we must uphold integrity and professionalism in all that we do,' he said. On another matter, Comm Kumar said Johor police recorded a 10.3% drop in fatal road accidents in the first four months of 2025. However, he warned that driver behaviour remained the biggest threat to road safety. He revealed that 33,555 road accidents were recorded during that four-month period. Of these, 322 were fatal crashes that led to 359 deaths, a 6.75% drop from the same period last year. 'The primary cause of accidents is still the attitude of road users. 'While the statistics show a positive trend, we will not be able to significantly reduce fatal accidents without strong support and discipline from the public. 'I urge all road users to adopt a more responsible attitude and obey traffic laws,' he said. Comm Kumar added that Johor Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department had maintained a strict approach under its total enforcement and advocacy model. He explained that operations targeting reckless motorcyclists, street racers, drunk drivers and commercial vehicle violations continued to be a major part of the enforcement strategy. The Jan-April 2025 period also saw 528 arrests for traffic and criminal offences, he said, with the department achieving a 91.2% investigation paper resolution rate and 85.6% prosecution rate.
The Star
22-05-2025
- The Star
Machete-wielding man shot dead after attacking cops in Johor
KLUANG: An Indonesian man was shot dead after attacking a police team in Kampung Palembang near here on Thursday (May 22). Johor Police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the Johor Police Contingent Criminal Investigation Department team spotted suspicious movements by the suspect during the crime prevention control in the area at 3.45am. He said the suspect who was riding a motorcycle without registration plate numbers was ordered to stop but refused, instead the suspect sped off. 'Our team managed to intercept him at the unpaved road leading towards the palm oil plantation,'' Comm Kumar said in a statement. He said while approaching the suspect for inspection, the suspect suddenly attacked one of the policemen by swinging a machete towards the policeman. 'The machete hit the sleeves of the policeman and the suspect refused to surrender despite being ordered by the team and continued to attack them aggressively,'' said Comm Kumar. He said this prompted the police to shoot the suspect in self-defense and public safety. Comm Kumar said the victim was confirmed to have died at the scene, adding that his identity was unknown as no valid documents were found from him. He said police also seized the machete, RM1,900 cash, two mobile phones and a motorcycle which will be used for further investigation purposes. 'Initial investigation found that one of the mobile phones belonged to a robbery victim in Kluang while the motorcycle was reported missing in Kulai,'' said Comm Kumar. He said a check revealed the suspect was believed to have been involved in robbery since 2024 and with his death, police have solved one case in Kota Tinggi and five cases in Kluang. The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code and the victim's death was classified as a sudden death report (SDR). 'The investigation is ongoing to identify and detect other accomplices and the public is advised to refrain from making speculations and manipulating the facts which could interfere with the investigation process,'' said Comm Kumar. Those with information on the case can call the Kluang Police Contingent Hotline at 07-7766822 or contact the investigating officer ASP Ahmad Nazri Yahya@Yaakob at 017-7521151.
The Star
15-05-2025
- The Star
Cops arrest 84 in Johor's Ops Noda Khas
JOHOR BARU: Eighty-four people were arrested in Johor in simultaneous statewide operations codenamed Ops Noda Khas from May 12 until May 13. Johor Police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the operation aimed to eliminate prostitution activities, the misuse of social visit passes, the hiring of foreign women without valid work permits and the operation of unlicensed premises. 'We are targeting karaoke centres, entertainment outlets, beauty and wellness centres, food outlets, hotels, massage parlours and homestays,'' he said in a statement on Thursday (May 15). Comm Kumar said of the 84 people detained, 15 were local men, two local women, six foreign males and 61 foreign females aged 19 to 55, for committing various offences. He said police also seized mobile phones, payment receipts, microphones, loudspeakers, televisions, condoms, massage oils, towels, tissues, duty rosters, a working time punch card machine and RM8,553 cash. 'The seized items will be used for investigation purposes,'' added Comm Kumar. He said the 17 locals arrested have been remanded under Section 17 of the Malaysian Criminal Procedures Code, while the 67 foreigners were held under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for not possessing valid travel documents and working without work permits. Comm Kumar said an investigation was conducted under the following offence provisions: Section 6(2) and Section 11(2) of the Johor State Entertainment and Entertainment Places Enactment 4/98. Section 55B, Section 55E and Section 6(1)(c), Section 15(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Rules 39(b) of the Immigration Rules 1963. Section 372(A), Section 372(B) and Section 373 of the Penal Code, Section 107(6) of the Local Government Act 1976, Section 3(1) Trade, Business and Industry Licensing By-law (Johor Baru City Council) 2016. 'We have conducted 97 raids at prostitution dens statewide from January to April 2025, 383 were arrested, of whom 70 were locals and 313 foreigners for various offences,'' he said. Comm Kumar asked those with information on crime-related activities to contact the Johor Police Contingent hotline at 019-2792095 or the Operation Centre at 07-2212999.
The Star
04-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Business owner duped in RM1.8mil online investment scam
JOHOR BARU: A 66-year-old business owner has fallen victim to an online scam, resulting in a loss of approximately RM1.8mil. Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the man came across the online investment scheme advertised on social media in October 2024. 'The scheme appears to offer investors high returns in a short period 'He clicked the link to get more information and learned that he could get 200% profits on investment within three months,' he said in a statement on Sunday (May 4). Believing he could enjoy handsome returns, the company owner began transferring funds totalling RM1.8mil into several bank accounts from November to January this year, following the suspect's instructions. 'The suspect also told the man to download an application and register for the scheme to monitor his investments. 'However, the man has yet to receive any profits, and the suspect could no longer be contacted,' said Comm Kumar, adding that the victim lodged a police report on Saturday (May 3). The case is investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a jail term of one to 10 years, caning and a fine upon conviction. Comm Kumar advised the public to be cautious against investment offers that sound too good to be true, especially on social media. 'It is better to check with the authorities, such as the police, Bank Negara Malaysia and Securities Commission, before making any investment decisions,' he added.
