KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 26 -- Nearly all residents of the Bukit Malut settlement in Langkawi, Kedah, are reported to possess national identity cards (MyKad).

The community, often referred to as Melayu Islam Kedah (MIK) and originally from Myanmar, has lived in the area since the late 1970s and 1980s, Berita Harian reported.

Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said suspicion directed at Bukit Malut residents has led to inaccurate claims that the settlement is a hub for criminal activity.

"During my visit to Bukit Malut on September 29, I found that almost all residents already have ICs (MyKad), and nearby communities are aware of this," he said.

He added that children from Bukit Malut attend government schools in the area and mix with l...