“Eight Alleged Members of ‘Geng Adik Labu Besar’ Crime Syndicate Charged Under Sosma Over Series of Burglaries”

BUTTERWORTH: Eight individuals suspected of being members of the organized burglary syndicate known as Geng Adik Labu Besar were charged in the Sessions Court on Tuesday under Malaysia’s strict security laws.

No pleas were recorded from the accused after the charges were read before Sessions Court judge Roslan Hamid, as offenses under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

The eight accused include six men and two women: Nur Alya Nadhira Che Hassan, Nurul Natasha Mohammad Shukri, Muhamad Samerin Shahrom, Mohamed Aizat Rosmadi, Aizal Abu Bakar, Mohammad Zaini Yusoff, Muhammad Azizi Abd Ghafar, and Muhamad Fitri Abdul Karim.

According to the charge sheet, all of them are alleged to have been members of the organised criminal group Geng Adik Labu Besar between March and Oct 16 last year at Vista Perdana along Jalan Kampung Gajah in Butterworth.

Lawyer Manjit Singh Mann appeared in court to represent Nurul Natasha, while the remaining seven accused were not represented during the proceedings.

Deputy public prosecutor Suloshani informed the court that bail could not be offered to the accused because the case falls under Sosma, which places such matters under the authority of the High Court.

Although Manjit applied for bail for his client, Judge Roslan ruled that the Sessions Court does not have the authority to grant bail in cases prosecuted under Sosma.

“Regarding bail, this court cannot allow it. If there is any application, it must be made later at the High Court,” he said.

The court set May 4 as the next date for case mention and for the submission of relevant documents before the case is transferred to the High Court.

Police previously revealed that the burglary syndicate was dismantled during a special operation conducted on Feb 15 by the Royal Malaysia Police through the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department, in collaboration with Penang police.

CID director M. Kumar said the group had been actively involved in property crimes, particularly house break-ins, around Penang since 2024 until October last year.

Investigations indicated that the gang was responsible for at least 42 burglary cases, causing losses estimated at nearly RM1 million.

Authorities also revealed that all suspects have prior criminal records, including offenses such as armed robbery, housebreaking, theft from buildings, vehicle theft, causing injury, handling stolen property, and drug abuse.

Police believe the arrests have significantly disrupted the gang’s activities and helped reduce property crimes in the region.