KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — A police constable and two of his friends have been arrested on suspicion of having committed robberies in Petaling Jaya and Gombak in Selangor two weeks ago, police said today. 

Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar said the constable, who has been with the police force for three years, and the two others, all in their 20s, were picked up in a raid in Gombak on Thursday. 

The constable had been suspended for frequent absenteeism, he said after opening the Bandar Utama police station in Damansara here.

“Firm action will be taken even if the offender is one of our personnel. The crime committed has tarnished the image of the force,” he said.

On the “Candle Light Vigil Aman” to be held by a group of individuals calling themselves Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA or GMI (Movement to Abolish ISA), Khalid said it could only be held in a confined area.

He said the police would not hesitate to take action, even making arrests, if the event was held in the open.

“We have information that in Selangor the group wants to hold the gathering at the Petaling Jaya City Council building but as of now no permit has been issued for the purpose,” he said.

It is learnt that similar gatherings would be held in several other locations, including at Ipoh City Square in Perak and Seremban Square in Negri Sembilan tomorrow.

The Bandar Utama police station began operations a week ago. It was built with a contribution from the Bandar Utama City Corporation (BUCC) Group.

The station is manned by a team of eight policemen led by Sgt Zulkifli Mohamad Noor.

Also present at today’s opening ceremony were Selangor police deputy chief Datuk A. Thaiveegan and BUCC chairman Tan Sri Dr Teo Soo Cheng. — Bernama