3 gunned down at Kota Tinggi eatery in Johor

 State police chief Ab Rahaman Arsad says the arrested suspect has no prior criminal record and holds a valid firearm licence.

Johor police, seen here carrying out forensic investigations at the scene of the shooting, said preliminary findings show that the incident does not involve organised crime or terrorism. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Three people were killed after a man opened fire at a restaurant in Kota Tinggi, Johor, this afternoon.

State police chief Ab Rahaman Arsad said the victims in the shooting comprise two local men and a foreign woman.

“All three victims, aged between 37 and 63, are believed to have been shot using a shotgun and were pronounced dead at the scene,” he said in a statement.

Rahaman said a 71-year-old male suspect was arrested about 200m from the scene.

Police also seized a firearm, a Benelli M/Super shotgun, believed to have been used in the shooting.

“Checks revealed that the suspect has no prior criminal record and holds a valid firearm licence,” Rahaman said.

The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

Rahaman said the motive remains under investigation, but preliminary findings show that the incident does not involve organised crime or terrorism.

“Police have not ruled out the possibility that the motive may be linked to personal debt.”

An application for the suspect’s remand will be made at the Kota Tinggi magistrates’ court tomorrow.

Rahaman urged those with information on the incident to come forward to the nearest police station or contact the Johor police hotline at 019-2792095 or the operations room at 07-2212999. - FMT