KUALA LUMPUR: Former policeman Deputy Supt Kenneth James Woodworth, the man who was instrumental in stopping notorious criminal Botak Chin's reign of terror, has passed away.

       The 89-year-old retired police officer died at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) in Petaling Jaya on Sunday (May 22).

       Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, Deputy IGP Datuk Razarudin Hussain and the entire police force extended their condolences to Woodworth's family.

       "He was a senior police officer from the Kuala Lumpur CID Serious Crime division when he was selected to join the 'Magnificent 12', the special team set up to hunt down Botak Chin.

       "His contribution and sacrifice will always be cherished. His passing is a big loss for the police force and the country," the police said in a statement on its Facebook page.

       Woodworth's remains were taken to the Holy Rosary Church, where people can pay their last respects from 9am on Monday (May 23) until 9.30pm on Tuesday (May 24).

       Meanwhile, Senior Asst Comm Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal said Woodworth was a true hero and his passing a huge loss to the police force.

       "I managed to meet him in 2020 when I was Petaling Jaya OCPD.

       "Since that meeting, I regularly visited him and always bought him thosai when I was in Petaling Jaya," he said.

       While Woodworth's immediate relatives are abroad, SAC Nik Ezanee said he (Kenneth) chose to remain in Malaysia.

       "I'll always remember his words: Right or wrong, Malaysia is still my country.

       "Kenneth's words and actions have inspired me to always do my best. He was a true patriot," he said.