The 36-year-old suspect, who had 44 previous convictions for criminal cases, including for drug-related offences, was killed at 4.10am by a team from the Bukit Aman criminal investigation department (CID) and the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters, Bernama reported.

Acting Bukit Aman CID director Fadil Marsus said the man was spotted driving a BMW in the area by officers conducting patrols.

“A shootout occurred when officers attempted to stop the vehicle, resulting in the suspect being killed at the scene,” he said during a press conference at the location.

He added that a search of the suspect’s vehicle uncovered a revolver, several tools believed to be used for robberies, and a police vest.

Checks also revealed the car had fake registration plates and is believed to have been smuggled into the country.

Fadil said preliminary investigations indicated that the gang targeted residential homes and business premises that had safes, gold bars and cash.

Gang members are believed to have impersonated police officers during their robberies.

Fadil said the gang had been active since last year, committing break-ins and robberies around Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Perak, with losses exceeding RM1 million.

“We believe this group is also linked to a drug trafficking syndicate and has more than a dozen members.

“Efforts to track down the members are ongoing,” he said.