A GUNMAN was killed during a shootout with police in Bukit Mertajam, Penang early this morning.

The man is said to be behind two robbery cases – at a lottery shop and a grocery store in Butterworth.

The 44-year-old was spotted behaving suspiciously in a Proton X70 SUV when he was approached by a team from the Serious Crimes Division (D9 unit) that was on crime prevention patrol.

Penang police chief Khaw Kok Chin said the D9 team identified themselves before instructing the suspect to stop his vehicle for further inspection. However, the man refused to cooperate and attempted to flee.

“The suspect then exited his vehicle and aimed a pistol at the D9 team. In self-defence, the police fired several shots at the suspect, killing him instantly,” he told reporters.

“Further investigation revealed that the suspect had 16 prior criminal records involving robberies, drugs, including cases investigated under Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons, besides frequently moving in and out of Simpang Renggam.

Khaw said the suspect was active in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Malacca. – December 31, 2023.