Bukit Aman criminal investigation department director M Kumar said the deceased is believed to be part of the group which had carried out at least 19 armed robberies, mostly targeting houses and project sites.

The gang is said to use knives, parangs and metal rods, often removing CCTV decoders while wearing masks and gloves during break-ins.

They are estimated to have caused their victims RM2.5 million in losses.

Kumar said the police are still working to identify the other members of the gang, and that the man who was killed is believed to be one of the leaders.

He said the shootout at around 8.10pm yesterday occurred during an operation targeting syndicates involved in armed robberies in Selangor.

At a press conference, Kumar said the suspect opened fire after police intercepted his vehicle, forcing officers to return fire.

“Once the threat was neutralised, officers conducted a check and found the suspect injured in the driver’s seat. He was later confirmed dead at the scene.”

Police also seized a pistol, three bullets and a clear packet containing crystal powder believed to be drugs, all found inside a Coach sling bag.

The suspect was later identified as a 30-year-old Malaysian from Sepang with a criminal record of 10 offences, including gang robbery, house break-ins and rioting.

He was also wanted for two robbery cases that occurred in Sepang in 2024.

Kumar said the suspect was also charged in absentia on Nov 19 at the Shah Alam sessions court over a case in Puchong. A warrant of arrest was issued after he failed to appear in court.

The shootout is being investigated for attempted murder, discharging a firearm in the commission of a scheduled offence, and drug trafficking.