Three dead in suspected shooting incident at Kota Tinggi housing area (Updated)

POLICE are investigating the possibility that a personal debt dispute triggered a shooting incident at Taman Kota Jaya which left three people dead, with a 71-year-old suspect, who holds a valid firearms licence, arrested shortly after the attack.

Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the 71-year-old local suspect, who is legally licensed to own a firearm, was arrested about 200 metres from the scene at around 2pm, shortly after the incident which occurred at approximately 1.30pm.

"We also seized a firearm, a Benelli M/Super shotgun with serial number M104817, which is believed to have been used in the shooting," he said in a statement.

Ab Rahaman confirmed that checks showed the suspect had no prior criminal record and held a valid firearms licence under number KTN/4753.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the shooting took place at a restaurant in the district, where two local men and a foreign woman, aged between 37 and 63, were confirmed dead at the scene after being shot.

"The victims are believed to have died from shotgun wounds," he said.

He added that while investigations are still ongoing, police have so far ruled out links to organised crime or terrorism.

"At this stage, the motive for the killings is still under investigation. However, based on initial findings, we do not believe the incident involves gang-related activity or terrorism elements.

"We do not rule out the possibility that the motive stems from a personal debt issue," he said.

The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, and police will apply for remand orders at the Kota Tinggi Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

The Vibes.com earlier reported that three individuals have been killed in what is believed to be a shooting incident in Taman Kota Jaya, Kota Tinggi, on Sunday afternoon.

The victims are understood to comprise two men and one woman, according to initial information from sources familiar with the case.

A suspect, identified as a man, has reportedly been arrested in connection with the incident, with police also seizing a pistol at the scene.

The incident, which occurred in the middle of the day, quickly circulated on social media after witnesses at the location shared accounts of the shooting.

Kota Tinggi district police chief Superintendent Yusof Othman confirmed the shooting when contacted, but said investigations were still ongoing at the scene.

“Shooting case. We are still investigating the scene. We will issue a statement later,” he said briefly.

Police have not yet released further details on the identities of the victims or the circumstances leading to the shooting, as forensic teams continue their work at the site. - April 19, 2026