Police in Johor have dismantled two organised crime syndicates linked to at least 17 car break-ins, including targeted thefts affecting Singaporean holidaymakers at the popular resort destination of Desaru.
The operation resulted in the arrest of eight people aged between 26 and 60 during coordinated raids across Masai, Majidee, Kulai, and Muar on 7th and 8th September. Those arrested include four Malaysian nationals and four Indonesian nationals, including two women.
According to Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad, the gang members typically targeted vehicles parked in open areas, isolated spots, and along quiet roads. The suspects used spark plugs or screwdrivers to shatter vehicle windows before quickly searching the interiors for valuables.
The first syndicate was responsible for at least seven car break-ins on 6th September alone, targeting vehicles parked at three separate resorts in the Desaru coastal area. Four Singaporean motorists were among the victims, with their vehicles broken into while parked at local resort facilities.
Officers arrested three Malaysian men in the Masai and Majidee areas of Johor Bahru. Police recovered a vehicle, three mobile phones, three iPads, a spanner, vehicle keys, and a remote control.
Background checks found that all three suspects had previous criminal records, including drug related offences. Subsequent urine tests confirmed that all three men tested positive for methamphetamine. Police are now searching for at least four more suspects linked to the group who remain at large.
Police apprehended five individuals during raids in the Kulai district and Muar, comprising a 60-year-old Malaysian man, two Indonesian men, and two Indonesian women. Officers seized two vehicles, eight mobile phones, three ATM cards, a watch, a ring, and RM10,105 in cash.
None of the five individuals in the second group had previous criminal records. Official checks also confirmed that all four Indonesian nationals held valid passports and travel documents allowing them to enter Malaysia.
Police also seized an Indonesian passport recovered during the operations.
All eight detained suspects have been remanded in custody. Investigations are being conducted under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft and Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief caused by damage to property.
Comm Arsad said the successful operation demonstrated the Johor police force’s firm commitment to combating property crime across the state. He urged vehicle owners to exercise caution by avoiding leaving valuables inside their cars and ensuring their vehicles are securely locked and parked in well lit areas.
Addressing the incidents, Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast said in an official statement that management had taken swift and proactive steps to strengthen safety measures across the destination following an isolated vehicle break in on 6th September 2026.
The resort management said visitor security was an utmost priority. While incidents of this nature remain uncommon, the park immediately engaged with its security teams and is working closely with local law enforcement authorities to investigate the circumstances thoroughly.
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