A violent family feud ended in a double tragedy on Sunday in Kampung Kangkawang, Tenom, after a 54-year-old man was gunned down by his own elder brother using a homemade shotgun, known locally as a bakakuk. The suspect, aged 57, was subsequently shot and killed by police after he turned his weapon toward officers and refused to surrender during a high-stakes standoff at the scene.
Tenom District Police Chief, Superintendent Azmir Abd Razak, confirmed that the authorities were alerted to a shooting involving civilians in the village at approximately 8 am. Upon arrival, a team from the Tenom District Police Headquarters (IPD) discovered the younger sibling had succumbed to eight gunshot wounds to his back. Villagers informed the police that the elder brother had barricaded himself inside a house, armed with the bakakuk and threatening to shoot anyone who approached.
The police quickly established a perimeter around the residence and issued three separate orders for the suspect to lay down his weapon and surrender. When these commands were ignored, tactical measures were deployed, including firing several rounds of tear gas into the property to force the suspect out. Despite the gas, the man remained defiant and eventually charged toward the kitchen area while aiming his firearm directly at a police officer.
In a move to protect the safety of the unit, a police officer discharged three shots, striking the suspect in the right arm, left chest, and left rib. Following the tactical intervention, the police stormed the building and found the suspect lying on the kitchen floor with his homemade shotgun by his side. A subsequent inspection revealed that the bakakuk was still loaded with a live round and was primed for immediate use.
Superintendent Azmir stated that the police have seized the homemade weapon, live ammunition, spent casings, and a long machete as evidence. Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect may have been suffering from mental health issues prior to the incident. The case is currently being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder and Section 307 for attempted murder.
