The suspect involved in the recent shooting incident at Setia City Mall in Selangor, Malaysia, was killed in a police shootout following an intensive 10-day manhunt. The incident, which took place at a bustling shopping mall located about 40 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, left the local community in shock and prompted heightened security measures across the nation. The suspect, identified as a local man in his 30s, had a history of criminal activities, including drug-related offenses and robbery.
The shooting unfolded on February 8 when the suspect entered Setia City Mall and fired four shots at a cleaner, injuring the worker's legs and buttocks. He continued his violent spree by discharging additional shots on another floor before fleeing the scene. In the parking zone, he forced a mall visitor at gunpoint to drive him out of the area for approximately 45 minutes.
Authorities tracked down the suspect in a joint operation conducted by the Bukit Aman and Selangor Criminal Investigation Departments. The operation culminated at around 3 a.m. on February 18 at a hotel in Pulau Ketam, Klang, where the suspect had been hiding for two days. Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan confirmed that during the raid, the suspect engaged in a shootout with officers.
“A shootout occurred inside a hotel room and the suspect was shot dead,” – Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan
During the raid, authorities recovered two loaded firearms from the suspect's possession. Investigations revealed that he had nine prior criminal records, exacerbating public concern over safety and security in public spaces.
The case is being investigated under Section 3 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971 and Section 307 of the Penal Code. More than ten bullet casings were retrieved from various areas within the mall, including stairwells and parking zones, underscoring the severity of the incident.
In response to the shooting, Malaysian authorities have heightened security measures in shopping malls and other public places nationwide. Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail assured citizens of their safety and commended the police for their prompt action.
“There is no need for (the) public (to) panic, as PDRM has demonstrated a high level of preparedness. The swift response by the police reflects their competence and any shortcomings in their capabilities could have led to a different outcome,” – Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail
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