KUCHING – Sarawak police have classified as murder the killing of three officers by their colleague at the Kota Samarahan air force base on the outskirts of the city here today.
The suspect shot himself dead afterwards.
Police are withholding the identities of all four until further notice.
State deputy police commissioner Mancha Ata in a statement said in the 7.15am incident, the suspect entered a room containing a firearms safe.
“The suspect is an RMAF (Royal Malaysian Air Force) personnel (member), and he went into the room to take out a firearm and bullets.
“A corporal on duty tried to stop the suspect, and he was shot. He later died in hospital.
“The suspect shot two other colleagues dead before he shot himself.
“The motive behind the killings is being investigated, and the case has been classified as murder.”
State top cop Datuk Aidi Ismail earlier said there were several other personnel at the guard station where the suspect entered and went on a rampage.
“The suspect had even asked them whether they wanted to live or die. One tried to calm him down, but the suspect fired a shot that hit him in the stomach, prompting the others to run for safety.”
Three of the deceased, including the suspect himself, died at the scene.
One of the victims was rushed to the Kota Samarahan Heart Centre with critical injuries. He was confirmed dead at 9.15am.
Forensic units from the state police headquarters and Sarawak Hospital were deployed to the air force base. – The Vibes, August 13, 2021
