Police to seek Interpol help over Sarawak convenience store attacks

KUCHING: Police will seek assistance from international law enforcement agencies, including Interpol, to track several people believed to have fled the country in connection with attacks on convenience stores in several parts of Sarawak recently.

Sarawak police commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah, who is also police Management Department director, said three people had been arrested so far, while about 10 others had been identified as being linked to the group.

"We have identified about 10 people so far, and there may be more from this group. Some have been identified as having fled the country," he told reporters after attending the Sarawak Police Contingent's monthly assembly at the state police contingent headquarters here today.

He said investigations found that the incidents were believed to have stemmed from a business dispute, including the sale of top-ups allegedly used for online gambling activities.

Zainal said police had also identified the misuse of business licences by some convenience stores involved in selling the top-ups.

He said police would write to the local authorities for further action.

On Sept 21, Zainal said police were hunting people linked to attacks on convenience stores in Kuching and Sri Aman on Sept 20.

Objects believed to contain explosive or flammable materials were thrown into the premises during the incidents.

Police received two reports of the incidents, which had a similar modus operandi.

Meanwhile, Zainal said police were close to completing their investigation into the Air Medical Services (FDS) helicopter crash in Long Lellang, although the cause had yet to be determined.

He said investigations so far had found no indication of sabotage.

"We believe the incident may have been caused by technical problems, but this will depend on the investigation by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau, which will announce its findings," he said.