Manhunt for man in shooting

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KOTA KINABALU: A mechanic was shot in his right thigh by a man at an air-conditioner service workshop in Jalan Tuaran Bypass on Wednesday.

It is believed that the incident happened when the 36-year-old victim brought his Proton Iswara car to the shop for service around 2.30pm.

It was said that while at the shop, the victim had allegedly stared at the suspect for several seconds while the latter was also waiting for his car to be serviced.

An argument broke out between the victim and the suspect, resulting in the latter drawing out a pistol and firing three shots at the former.

One of the shots hit the victim’s right thigh.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said that following the incident, police had identified the suspect and launched a manhunt.

“We have identified the suspect, known by his alias as Mat Malaya, aged 43, from Shah Alam, Selangor.

“Police investigation at the scene also found three bullet casings, believed fired from the suspect’s pistol,” he told a press conference at the city police headquarters in Karamunsing here yesterday.

Also present were Sabah Crime Investigation Department (CID) chief SAC Salehhudin Abdul Rahman, city police chief ACP M. Chandra, deputy city police chief Superintendent Mohd Azhar Hamin and city CID chief DSP Nor Azizulkifli Mansor.

Meanwhile, Jalaluddin said police found a black mask, a pistol holder, a plastic packet of crystal-like substance believed to be syabu and an electronic scale inside the suspect’s Honda Integra car.

He said the police believed the suspect is a drug pusher and has been living in the state capital for several months.

“The suspect is armed and dangerous and we urge the public who come into contact or know his whereabouts to immediately contact the police,” he said, adding that the case would be investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder, which carries a jail term of up to 20 years on conviction.