KUALA LUMPUR – Police have successfully dismantled a violent and aggressive organised crime group in Kedah through Operation Tiga (Op Tiga), in a move aimed at curbing their influence, which is spreading from the north down to the south.
The operation, carried out by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in collaboration with the Kedah Contingent CID and Bukit Aman Special Branch, ran from November 27 to December 4, resulting in the arrest of 17 gang members.
Previously known as Geng 35 and later Geng Rusa Boy, the group was involved in violent crimes, including armed robbery, grievous bodily harm, murder, and drug trafficking, particularly in Sungai Petani, Kulim, and several locations in Penang.
Datuk M. Kumar, CID Director at Bukit Aman, said the gang comprised around 35 members and was led by a local man known as G.R. Rames, who has been active since 2020.
“This operation led to the arrest of 17 individuals aged between 24 and 42. All of them have previous criminal records, including murder, armed gang robbery, causing grievous bodily harm, and drug trafficking,” Kumar said at a press conference at Bukit Aman headquarters today.
He added that seven of those arrested had previously been convicted under Section 130V of the Penal Code in 2020, serving five-year prison sentences before their release in January 2024.
After their release, they resumed criminal activities and reformed the gang with even more aggressive tactics.
All 17 detainees are being investigated and held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) to allow comprehensive action against the gang.
“The gang has a structured organisation with clearly defined roles, including attack squads, financial collectors, and drug distribution networks. They employ violence to instil fear among the public,” Kumar said.
The gang is suspected to have been involved in at least two murders since 2024, with victims killed by machete attacks, along with several other violent offences still under investigation.
Of the estimated 35 gang members, 15 remain at large, including the 36-year-old gang leader Rames, all of whom are considered the most wanted by police.
“We believe they are still in the country and are aggressively pursuing their capture. Their influence is spreading from the north down to the south, and our aim is to neutralise them at this early stage before their operations expand further,” Kumar said.
“We will not compromise and are committed to bringing the entire network to justice,” he added.
The investigation papers have been referred to the Attorney General’s Department, with instructions obtained to prosecute all suspects under Section 130V of the Penal Code at the Sungai Petani Sessions Court tomorrow.
“We believe that with these arrests, the activities of this organised crime group can be disrupted and the threat to local communities significantly reduced,” Kumar said. – December 29, 2025