A 44-year-old man who was initially believed to have died after falling from a tree while hunting in the Hutan Simpan Stesen Safoda on Saturday is now suspected to have been shot by his companion.
The incident, which occurred at about 7.17pm, saw the victim found lying approximately 5.2 kilometres from the Safoda Estate office in Ulu Kukut.
Polis Diraja Malaysia Kota Belud district police chief Superintendent Shahrudin Mat Husain said preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had sustained injuries to the head and body believed to be consistent with gunshot wounds.
“The body has been sent to the Forensic Unit at Hospital Kota Belud for a post-mortem to determine the exact cause of death,” he said when contacted.
Further investigations found that the victim had gone hunting early that morning with a 35-year-old man.
“Following the discovery, police detained the man to assist in investigations. Initial questioning indicates that the suspect has admitted involvement in the incident,” he added.
Police also seized a homemade shotgun, locally known as a ‘bakakuk’, along with several related items for forensic examination and ballistic analysis.
An application for remand has been filed, and the case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
Authorities have urged the public to refrain from speculation that could interfere with ongoing investigations.
