KLIA gunman attempted to flee to Mecca via Thailand, say reports

THE gunman, who shot his wife’s bodyguard at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang over the weekend, was allegedly planning to escape to Mecca via Thailand, reports stated.

It was reported that when the 38-year-old gunman was arrested in Kota Baru on Monday, he was found in possession of Saudi riyal and Thai baht banknotes. He was also reportedly caught in possession of a loaded Glock 19 Austria pistol.

It was also reported that the gunman had undergone a medical examination at a hospital in Kota Baru a week prior to the shooting. His arrest occurred at the same hospital as he attempted to collect the examination report.

While it remains unclear whether the medical examination was related to visa requirements for entry into Saudi Arabia, the suspect has been remanded for seven days for further investigation.

This suspicion is reinforced by the suspect’s background as a mutawwif, or guide, for the hajj and umrah pilgrimage.

It was also revealed he has requested the assistance of seven lawyers for his defense.

The gunman had targeted his estranged wife in the KLIA shooting on Sunday.

He fired two shots, with one shot hitting his wife’s bodyguard in the abdomen. The bodyguard survived after a five-hour surgery. – April 17, 2024.