A 69-YEAR-OLD man was shot dead by his neighbour in a longhouse settlement in Julau, Sarawak after allegedly reprimanding the suspect over the handling of a firearm.
The victim, identified as Vincient Anak Belingau, sustained a gunshot wound to his right shoulder in the 11am incident at the five-foot way of Rumah Panjang Minis Sungai Minus Entabai on Tuesday. He was later pronounced dead at the Nanga Entaih Health Clinic.
Julau District Police Chief, Deputy Superintendent Alif Haiqal Ramesh, said police received information about the shooting at 12.20pm before launching investigations.
“At the time of the incident, the victim, who worked as a smallholder, was at the five-foot way of the longhouse after returning from his oil palm plantation.
“Initial investigations found that the suspect, a 43-year-old man, is believed to have run out from a room before firing a single shot from a shotgun towards the victim,” he said in a statement.
A witness nearby reported hearing a gunshot before seeing the victim collapse.
“The victim’s son, who was in another room, then brought his father to the clinic for treatment.
However, the victim was confirmed dead by a medical officer due to a gunshot injury that caused severe bleeding,” he added.
The suspect was arrested at approximately 1.35pm by officers from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Julau District Police Headquarters at the same longhouse.
“A shotgun along with several live rounds and spent cartridges of various brands were among the items seized at the scene,” he said.
Further investigations revealed that at around 5am on the day of the incident, the suspect had allegedly become enraged after being reprimanded by the victim for playing with a firearm within the longhouse area.
“The motive is believed to be dissatisfaction on the part of the suspect over repeated warnings given by the victim. Examination found that the shotgun used belonged to the suspect’s mother and is believed to have been taken without permission from its storage place before being used in the incident,” he said.
The victim’s body has been sent to the Forensic Department of Sibu Hospital for a post-mortem examination. The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. - February 27, 2026
