KENINGAU – Police detained 19 men, including five teenagers, during a coordinated operation targeting suspected gangsterism-related activities at a food premises here on Wednesday night.
The operation, carried out under Op Cantas Bersepadu (Gangsterism), was conducted at about 9pm on June 24 with the cooperation of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Registrar of Societies (ROS). Authorities raided a food outlet along Jalan Masjid believed to have been used as a gathering point for members of an unlawful organisation.
According to Keningau District Police Chief Superintendent Yampil Garai, the group is believed to be linked to Kappa Rho Kappa (KRK), also known as Knights of the Right Kepper’s. The organisation was officially gazetted as unlawful by the Ministry of Home Affairs on December 16, 2015.
He said preliminary investigations showed that the gathering was held in conjunction with the group’s annual anniversary celebration, which falls on June 24 each year. However, police confirmed that the organisation remains illegal under Malaysian law.
All 19 individuals arrested are being investigated under Section 43 of the Societies Act 1966. In addition, several suspects are also being probed under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for failing to produce valid identification documents when checked by authorities.
During the operation, police also seized 15 mobile phones of various brands and two membership cards believed to be linked to the KRK group. Investigators further found that five of the suspects had tattoos believed to represent affiliation with the organisation.
Out of all those detained, only four individuals were able to produce valid identification documents such as MyKad, MyPR, MyKas, or passports. The remaining suspects were unable to provide proper identification at the time of the raid.
Despite this, all suspects reportedly claimed they had gathered for the anniversary commemoration of the group. They were later taken to the Keningau district police headquarters for further investigation and processing.
Police have stated that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to monitor and curb illegal group activities that may threaten public order and community safety in the district. Authorities also reminded the public that involvement in unlawful organisations can lead to serious legal consequences under existing Malaysian laws.
The case remains under investigation.
