SIX suspected smugglers have been arrested in connection with the early morning shootout at the Malaysia-Thai border in Perlis that killed a Malaysian general operations force (GOF) personnel and injured another, said Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador.

Hamid said four Thai nationals were nabbed by Thai police at two hospitals in Southern Thailand, while another two suspects were arrested by Malaysian police near the border.

“In the shootout, one of our men was killed while another was injured. Four of the smugglers were also shot and injured. They went to seek treatment at hospitals in Songkla and Hatyai.

“Because of their injuries, the doctors contacted the police and they were detained in connection with the shooting incident.

“Our commandos from the VAT69 and Senoi Praq units nabbed two other suspected smugglers, on our side of the border, who confessed to being part of the group who were involved in the shootout,” Abdul Hamid told a press conference at the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman this evening.

Corporal Baharuddin Ramli died on the spot while Corporal Norihan Tari was badly injured and was sent to Hospital Tuanku Fauziah in Kangar, Perlis following a shootout with 15 men believed to be smugglers.

Investigations found that the two were engaged in intelligence work when they were set upon by two groups of smugglers believed to be Thais.

The shootout occurred about 3am along Border Wall TS9 in Padang Besar, Perlis.

Abdul Hamid said the smugglers were trying to carry Ketum leaves and cough syrup into Thailand when they stumbled upon Baharudin and Norihan.

“They were not expecting Baharudin and Norihan. Surprised to see two policemen, they started shooting and both police officers returned fire.

“However, the two only carried handguns as they were doing intelligence work near the border.”

“Norihan managed to escape and called for help but Baharudin could not escape. Norihan was shot three times, in the stomach and the ribs, while Baharudin succumbed to gunshots to the chest and abdomen,” said Abdul Hamid. – November 24, 2020.