TAWAU: A 21-year-old local youth was killed while his friend was injured when they were shot at by a group of men with what is believed to be a shotgun at Mile 2, Apas Road early yesterday.
The incident at about 2am saw the victim being shot in the chest while his friend, 23, was shot in the left leg.
District police chief ACP Awang Besar Dullah said police were still investigating to determine the motive for the attack, or whether there was a fight.
He said the seven men believed to be involved in the incident have been detained to assist police in their investigation.
Awang said police will take a statement from the injured victim who was admitted to Tawau Hospital, and the case is investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which provides for the mandatory death penalty on conviction.
He said the younger victim was pronounced dead while being taken to the hospital.
Awang advised the public not to take the law into their hands when facing any misunderstanding but to call the police immediately.
He said anyone with information on this incident should come forward or contact the nearest police station to assist in their investigation.