MIRI – Police in Miri have arrested nine Malaysian male suspects aged between 16 and 73 in connection with grave-breaking incidents, with investigations helping to resolve 15 police reports involving such cases in the district.
Sarawak Acting Police Commissioner Deputy Commissioner Saifullizan Ishak announced the arrests in a statement on 28 October 2026. The operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ) at Miri District Police Headquarters between 11 and 17 October.
The arrests followed a special operation targeting suspected involvement in grave-breaking and theft activities. Police have not disclosed further details about the individual cases or the specific roles allegedly played by each suspect.
Checks on the suspects’ criminal histories found that three had previous criminal records involving various offences. Urine screening conducted on all nine suspects returned negative results, according to the police statement.
Items seized during investigation
Police also confiscated several items believed to be relevant to the investigation. These included a green-headed iron hammer, a screwdriver, a yellow chain and a yellow bracelet chain.
Other items listed by investigators included a packet of tissues containing assorted jewellery, two rings, two pairs of earrings and two additional chains. Police also seized a plastic bag containing an old coin and a bracelet.
Documents recovered during the operation included a hotel receipt for Room 101, a purchase receipt bearing the reference number JP-4203 and two copies of another purchase receipt marked A-1574.
The statement did not specify where each item was recovered or whether all the seized property had been confirmed as stolen. Further investigation will be required to establish the circumstances surrounding the items and their possible links to the reported incidents.
Investigation under Penal Code
According to police, the investigation has enabled officers to resolve 15 reports of grave-breaking cases in the Miri district. The statement did not provide a breakdown of the incidents, the dates on which they occurred or the total value of any property allegedly taken.
The case is being investigated under Section 297 of the Penal Code, which concerns trespassing on burial places and certain acts involving human remains or places of worship. A person convicted under the provision may face imprisonment for up to one year, a fine or both.
The arrests and the recovery of items form part of the investigative process. Any further legal action will depend on the evidence gathered and the outcome of the relevant proceedings.
The police statement did not indicate whether the nine suspects had been charged in court or provide details of any remand orders. The suspects’ alleged involvement therefore remains subject to the investigation and the applicable legal process.
Police urge public to share information
The Sarawak contingent of the Royal Malaysia Police said it would continue taking action against individuals suspected of criminal activity in accordance with the law. Members of the public who have information about criminal incidents were also encouraged to contact the police to support crime prevention and detection efforts.
Public cooperation can assist investigators in identifying possible witnesses, establishing timelines and locating property connected to reported offences. Information provided to the authorities may also help police determine whether separate incidents are linked.
The press conference was attended by Sarawak Criminal Investigation Department Deputy Head for Intelligence and Operations ACP Mohd Ishak Yaakob, Deputy Chief for Legal Investigation ACP Tonny anak Lunggan, Miri Deputy District Police Chief Superintendent Mohd Syafiq Jinuin Abdullah and members of the media.
The investigation remains focused on the reported grave-breaking incidents, with police urging anyone with relevant information to come forward through official channels. â Sarawak Daily
