Shooting incident in Semporna

Suspect who broke curfew shot dead when he fired at security forces as he tried to make a getaway in a speedboat.

UPDATED

KOTA KINABALU: Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander Abdul Rashid Harun has confirmed a shooting incident in Semporna where an individual was shot dead early Sun 2.15 am after he fired at security forces during the curfew hours as his speedboat tried to make a getaway when approached.

The suspect who was on a speedboat in waters off Pulau Bangau-Bangau in Semporna at the time of the incident was shot four times, he added. “He has not been identified. No documents were found on him.”

“Police took a .38 revolver with bullets and a mobile phone from the suspect.”

Abdul Rashid said the body of the suspect has been taken to the district hospital for post-mortem.

“Nine people, including two women, have been taken into custody to help with investigations.”

Police are also seeking the help of six men in the 30s and 40s to facilitate the investigations.

“They are identified to be Badong, Bocai, Wahab, Ali, Nilson and Alex. Anyone who has information pertaining to them can contact Esscom at 089-863181 or any police station,” said Abdul Rashid at a press conference this afternoon.

“The situation in Semporna is under control and there’s no need for people to panic,” said Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman on the sidelines of a Deepavali open house at the Likas Sports Complex here.

“Thanks to the efficiency of our security forces on duty during the incident, we are able to solve the issue and prevent something more serious from happening.”