Sarawak police to enlist Interpol over Kuching convenience store attacks

KUCHING, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Sarawak Police Turn to Interpol as Convenience Store Attacks Escalate, Linking Suspects to Cross-Border Flight and Alleged Gambling Dispute

With at least three individuals already arrested and up to 10 others identified—some of whom are believed to have fled Malaysia—Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah confirmed today that the case now has cross-border dimensions, raising concerns over organized criminal activity in the state.

The decision to involve Interpol underscores the seriousness of the incidents, which police describe as stemming from a commercial conflict tied to the sale of prepaid top-ups allegedly used for illegal online gambling. Authorities have also flagged irregularities in business licensing among some convenience stores implicated in the scheme, signaling a broader crackdown on regulatory compliance.

Meanwhile, the investigation remains active as police await findings from the Air Accident Investigation Bureau (BSKU) into a separate helicopter crash in Long Lellang, though sabotage has been ruled out.

The attacks, which occurred on September 20 in Kuching and Sri Aman, involved the throwing of objects believed to contain explosive or flammable materials into store premises. Police received two reports of such incidents, both exhibiting a similar modus operandi, suggesting coordination among the perpetrators.

Mohamad Zainal disclosed these details during a press briefing following the Sarawak Police Contingent’s monthly assembly, where he also addressed the ongoing probe into the FDS helicopter crash, which occurred earlier this month.

From Arrests to Cross-Border Flight: The Scale of the Investigation Police have so far arrested three individuals in connection with the convenience store attacks, while an additional 10 suspects have been identified as part of the same network. Mohamad Zainal revealed that some of these individuals are suspected of fleeing Malaysia, prompting the request for Interpol’s assistance in locating them.

"We have identified about 10 individuals so far, and there may be more from this group," he stated, adding that the investigation is still unfolding. The commissioner’s remarks suggest that the group may be larger than initially suspected, with potential links to transnational criminal activity.

The investigation has uncovered a web of alleged misconduct extending beyond the physical attacks. Police have identified the misuse of business licenses by convenience stores involved in the sale of top-ups, which authorities believe were being exploited for online gambling operations. Mohamad Zainal indicated that formal correspondence would be sent to the local authorities (PBT) to address these licensing irregularities, though no specific penalties or enforcement actions were disclosed.

The connection between the attacks and the gambling-related activities remains central to the probe, with police treating the incidents as a deliberate escalation of a pre-existing dispute.

A Pattern of Violence: The September 20 Attacks The most recent violence unfolded on September 20, when two convenience stores—one in Kuching and another in Sri Aman—were targeted in separate but similarly executed attacks. Police confirmed that objects containing explosive or flammable substances were thrown into the premises, though no injuries or major property damage were reported.

The incidents were reported to authorities the following day, with Mohamad Zainal describing them as part of a coordinated effort. The lack of casualties has not diminished the severity of the case, as police treat the attacks as a warning sign of potential further violence if the underlying dispute is not resolved.

The timing of the attacks coincides with a broader crackdown on illegal gambling activities in Malaysia, particularly those involving prepaid top-ups. Regulatory bodies, including the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), have previously warned about the misuse of such services for betting platforms, though enforcement has often lagged behind the proliferation of these schemes.

The current investigation may serve as a catalyst for stricter oversight, particularly in Sarawak, where convenience stores have historically been both targets and enablers of such activities.

Regulatory Scrutiny and the Gambling Nexus The police commissioner’s mention of misused business licenses points to a systemic issue within Sarawak’s retail sector. Convenience stores, particularly those in urban areas like Kuching and Sri Aman, have long been suspected of facilitating illegal gambling through the sale of top-ups. While some operators may have been unwitting participants, others have allegedly turned a blind eye—or actively participated—in these schemes to generate additional revenue.

The decision to involve PBT suggests that authorities are treating this as both a law enforcement and regulatory matter, with potential consequences for store owners and license holders found to be complicit.

The involvement of Interpol adds an international dimension to the case, raising questions about whether the suspects have connections to organized crime networks operating beyond Malaysia’s borders. While Mohamad Zainal did not specify which countries the fugitives may have fled to, the request for assistance implies that police are treating the case with the gravity typically reserved for transnational threats.

This could also signal a shift in how Malaysian authorities handle cyber-enabled crimes, particularly those tied to financial fraud or illegal gambling, which often transcend national boundaries.

Separate Probe: The FDS Helicopter Crash In a separate but related development, Mohamad Zainal provided an update on the investigation into the Air Medical Services (FDS) helicopter crash in Long Lellang, which occurred earlier this month. While the cause of the crash remains under investigation by the BSKU, police have ruled out sabotage as a potential factor.

"We believe the incident may have been caused by technical problems," the commissioner stated, though he emphasized that the final determination would rest with the accident bureau. The crash, which did not result in fatalities, has drawn public attention, particularly given the role of helicopters in medical emergencies in remote areas of Sarawak.

The dual focus on the convenience store attacks and the helicopter crash reflects the broad scope of Sarawak police’s current operational priorities. While the two cases appear unrelated, they both highlight vulnerabilities in the state’s infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. The attacks on convenience stores expose weaknesses in business oversight, while the helicopter crash underscores the risks associated with medical air services in rugged terrain.

Together, they paint a picture of a state grappling with both organized crime and operational safety challenges.

Stakeholder Reactions and Next Steps As of today, no official statements have been issued by convenience store associations, gambling regulatory bodies, or local government agencies in response to the police investigation. However, the involvement of PBT suggests that business license holders may soon face scrutiny or enforcement actions. For the gambling industry, the case could serve as a precedent for stricter monitoring of top-up sales, particularly in areas where illegal betting is rampant.

The request for Interpol’s assistance marks a critical juncture in the investigation, as it signals that Malaysian authorities are treating the case as a priority with potential cross-border implications. If fugitive suspects are located, their extradition or prosecution could set a precedent for how Malaysia handles transnational cybercrime. Meanwhile, the ongoing probe into the helicopter crash remains pending, with the BSKU expected to release its findings in due course.

The full extent of the convenience store attacks—and their connection to the broader gambling ecosystem—may only become clear as the investigation progresses. What is certain, however, is that Sarawak’s law enforcement agencies are now operating under heightened alert, with both local and international resources being deployed to dismantle what appears to be an organized criminal network.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by digital-age crimes, where financial disputes can quickly escalate into acts of violence with far-reaching consequences.

Related: Sarawak Police · Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah · Kuching