As Malaysian police on Monday pursued a gunman accused of firing a weapon on a street in southern Johor state at the weekend, the country’s sense of safety was rattled by a wave of gun violence that has left five dead in recent weeks.
The series of recent shootings has come as a shock to many in Malaysia, where unlicensed possession of firearms carries extensive jail terms and mandatory flogging. In a number of cases, attackers have brazenly fired upon their targets in full public view.
The latest incident unfolded on Saturday evening in Seri Alam township, less than an hour’s drive from the Singapore border.
“The suspect entered the premises and pointed an object that resembled a pistol at a victim while demanding that they hand over cash,” Seri Alam police chief Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said in a statement.
“The suspect fired one shot outside the premises before escaping on a motorcycle.” No injuries were reported.
Police are investigating the case as an unlawful discharge of a firearm, an offence punishable by up to 40 years’ imprisonment and a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction.
