JOHOR BARU: A young husband and wife team have been arrested for allegedly committing robbery while posing as Rela members.
Johor Criminal Investigation Department chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Datuk Hasnan Hassan said the modus operandi of the couple was to approach foreigners and intimidate them before relieving them of their valuables.
Hasnan told reporters at a press conference at the state police contingent here today that the couple were in a car which was being driven suspiciously, when a patrol team decided to check on them.
The duo had attemped to flee upon seeing the police patrol team, but their attempt was thwarted.
The woman aged 17 and man, 22, were on August 10 at 12.45am here.
Hasnan said a fake gun, three knives, a pair of handcuffs, a Rela uniform, tools used for housebreaking and several Automated-teller machine (ATM) and identity cards belonging to their victims were seized.
"Both suspects had previous criminal records and both had tested positive for methamphetamine. The man has been charged, while the wife is released on bail," Hasnan said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 36 of the Firearms Act 1960 for possession of imitation firearms.
The duo face up to seven years jail, a fine of not more than RM10,000, or both.
Police believe they have solved four housebreak-in cases in areas under the jurisdiction of the Johor Baru Selatan with the arrest of the duo.