M’sian Man Shoots 3 Dead With Shotgun at Kota Tinggi Food Court, Arrested 200 Metres From Scene

Three people lost their lives following a brazen daylight shooting at a food court in Kota Tinggi yesterday (19 April).

The victims, two men and a foreign woman aged between 37 and 63, reportedly died at the scene after being hit by shotgun rounds at about 1:30 PM.

Image Credit: Harian Metro

Johor Police Chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the suspect, a 71-year-old Malaysian man, was apprehended at 2 PM, just 200 metres from the scene.

It is believed that the gun used in the attack was a Benelli M/Super Shotgun, which was legally owned by the suspect, who runs a meat business and manages a pig farm.

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Additionally, the suspect was found to have no prior criminal record.

“The shotgun used by the suspect was legally licensed by the police. The firearm permit was issued strictly for agricultural purposes, specifically for crop protection against pests, and not for any other use."

“Police have also established that the suspect owns agricultural land, qualifying him to hold the firearm under existing regulations,” he said, as reported by NST.

Described as a ‘well‑known figure’ in Taman Kota Jaya

The motive for the brazen attack remains unclear, but sources alleged that a dispute over an alleged loan may have triggered the shooting.

Described as a ‘well-known figure’ in Taman Kota Jaya, a source familiar with both the suspect and the victims said the gunman was a regular customer at the restaurant. He was said to have recently confronted one of the victims, a restaurant owner, to demand repayment of a loan.

However, the restaurant owner allegedly scolded and physically assaulted the gunman instead of settling the debt.

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On the day of the incident, the source alleged that the gunman entered the food court calmly before opening fire.

After the shooting, the suspect is believed to have driven himself to another restaurant about 200 metres away, where he walked in, sat down, and waited for the police to arrive.

Thought the shots were firecrackers

Meanwhile, another witness said he first saw several people arguing at the food court about 50 metres from his shop.

The witness, who only wanted to be known as Abdul, 33, said he saw the suspect return to his vehicle before going back to the scene.

“After that, we heard several loud bangs. At first, we thought they were firecrackers, but it turned out to be gunshots. Everyone panicked, so we immediately closed our shop,” he said.

Another trader, who wanted to be known as Hamzah, 57, said he noticed the suspect loitering in the area before the incident and acting suspiciously, although he added that the man had no known issues with other residents.

“He was here before the incident, but we never expected it to end in tragedy. After the blasts rang out, people panicked and started asking for help.”

The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years, along with whipping if the death sentence is not imposed.

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