On February 16, 1976, one of Malaysia's most notorious criminal reigns came to a violent end. This date marks the capture of Wong Swee Chin, better known as Botak Chin, by an elite police task force dubbed the "Magnificent 12."
The Final Showdown
The operation took place at the Eng Leong Sawmill on Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur. After weeks of tracking and intelligence gathering, the Magnificent 12 surrounded the hideout. A fierce shootout ensued:
- The Capture: Botak Chin was shot six times but survived the gunfight.
- Casualties: Several of his gang members were killed or wounded during the exchange.
- The Arrest: Despite his injuries, Botak Chin was apprehended, effectively dismantling his gang, which had terrorized the city with brazen armed robberies and attacks on law enforcement.
Who Were the "Magnificent 12"?
The squad was an elite group of detectives and officers from the Serious Crimes Branch (D9), specifically formed to take down Botak Chin after he attempted to assassinate the Kuala Lumpur CID Chief, DSP S. Kulasingam.
While the media called them the "Magnificent 12," the team members often jokingly referred to themselves as the "Dirty Dozen" because they spent weeks in the field without bathing or changing clothes while tracking the gang. Key members included:
- ASP Kenny Woodworth
- Inspector Bahwandi Hiralal (Malaysian footballers)
- ASP M.Rajalingam
- Detective Constable Lee Tet Chong
- DSP Gilbert Ang
- ASP Lim Meng Aw
- ASP Chua Leng Kee
- ASP Gui Poh Choon
- Inspector Ong Kim Hock
- Detective Sgt. Chong Kam Hwa
- Detective Cpl. Leong See Fok
- Another person could not be traced.
The Legacy of Botak Chin
Botak Chin was a polarizing figure. While he was a ruthless criminal who killed several security guards and officers, a "Robin Hood" myth grew around him. It was claimed he shared his loot with the poor, and some believe his nickname was an acronym for "Bantu Orang Tak Ada Kerja" (Helping the Unemployed). However, police maintained he used the money to buy informants and loyalty.
Following his capture on that February night, he was eventually sentenced to death and executed at Pudu Prison on June 11, 1981.
Based on the historical details of the February 16, 1976, raid at the Eng Leong Sawmill, the following information is available regarding Botak Chin’s gang members:
Captured and Arrested
- Wong Swee Chin (Botak Chin): The leader was captured alive after being wounded in the shootout. He was shot six times (arms, legs, and body) during the confrontation.
- Pang Kuen: One of the key gang members who was arrested at the scene along with Botak Chin.
- Ng Khoon Hor: Another associate who was apprehended during the operation.
- Other Survivors: In total, approximately seven individuals from the gang survived the initial raid and were taken into police custody.
Killed in the Shootout
During the fierce exchange of gunfire with the "Magnificent 12," two gang members were killed on-site:
- Ah Khay: One of the prominent members of the gang.
- Seow Bo: Another member who died during the gunfight.
Earlier Known Associates
The gang had undergone several changes prior to the 1976 raid. Some of Botak Chin's earlier associates included:
- Ng Cheng Wong (Ah Wong)
- Beh Kok Chin (Pangkor Chai)
- Teh Bok Lay (Seh Chai)
- Kevin Yee Kai Kit (An early partner in his crime spree)
Reference:
- Wikipedia: Botak Chin
- Gempak.com: The Rise and Fall of Botak Chin & Magnificent 12 who ended his criminal reign.
- UK Essay: The Story of a Malaysian People
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8 January 2026: 1.13 a.m
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