A marine police officer was injured after his colleague allegedly discharged a firearm in his direction while they were on duty at the district’s marine police post.
The incident occurred on Tuesday (25 August), leaving the lance corporal with injuries to his finger and abdomen.
Lahad Datu district police chief Assistant Commissioner Dzulbaharin Ismail said police received a report on the incident on the same day.
“Initial information indicates that the victim and his colleague were on duty when the incident occurred. The colleague was reportedly in the process of unloading the firearm before the weapon was discharged,” he said in a statement yesterday (26 August).
The injured officer was initially taken to Lahad Datu Hospital for treatment before being referred to Tawau Hospital for further medical attention.
Dzulbaharin said police are investigating the case under Section 37 of the Arms Act 1960, which covers the discharge of a weapon resulting in injury.
Investigators are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the firearm was discharged and the events leading up to the shooting.
The police chief urged members of the public not to speculate or circulate unverified information while the investigation is ongoing.
The incident has also highlighted the importance of strict firearm-handling procedures, particularly when weapons are being unloaded or handled during duty. Authorities are expected to determine whether any breach of procedure contributed to the incident.
