4 Soldiers Killed In Shooting Incident In Kalimantan, Malaysian Air Force Forms Investigation Board

Shooting illustration. (Pexels/Skitterphoto)

JAKARTA - Three Malaysian Air Force soldiers who served at a military base in Samarahan City, were shot dead by the perpetrator who was their own colleague who later committed suicide, Friday local time.

This incident occurred at the base guard post of the Royal Malaysian Air Force Squadron 330 (TUDM) Kuching, Sarawak State, Kalimantan Island, Malaysia at around 7.30 a.m. local time.

Two of the victims died at the scene, while a third victim was rushed to a health clinic after being shot, but died of his injuries. After shooting the victims, the perpetrator, who is also a Malaysian Air Force soldier and a colleague of the victim, pointed his gun at himself.

They were all on duty at the time of the incident. Police have identified the four Air Force personnel who died as Corporal Ho Swee Boon from Lundu, Corporal Mohamad Ehsan Sehamat from Asajaya, Corporal Sharif Mohd Siddiq Al-Attas Wan Sabli from Kuching, and flight crew Luk Nesly son of Nabau from Sibu.

Samarahan Police Chief Sudirman Kram said initial investigations found that the suspect went on a rampage and entered a guard post at the 330th Handau Squadron camp, then took a firearm that was there. "There were several other air force personnel at the guard post at the time", he said.

"The suspect even asked them if they wanted to live or die. Sharif's victim tried to calm him down but he opened fire which hit Sharif in the stomach, prompting the others to run for safety," he said in a statement, citing CNA Friday, August 13.

"We are shocked and horrified by the shooting. Malaysia is a peaceful country, we never expected such an incident", Sarawak police chief Aidi Ismail told AFP.

Police and the air force are investigating the soldier's motive, which is currently unknown. Meanwhile, fatal shootings are not uncommon in the country of 32 million people due to strict gun laws.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force urged all parties not to speculate until the police have completed their investigation. And, they will form an investigative board to ascertain the cause of the incident.