Suspect arrested after teen shot when hunting companion mistakes him for animal in Sarawak

MIRI, Aug 31 — The shooting incident involving a 17-year-old teenager in Long Lidong, Lawas, concluded with the arrest of a suspect on August 25, stated Lawas district police chief DSP Liong Tindan. Liong disclosed that the police seized a homemade firearm, locally referred to as a ‘bakakuk’, believed to have been used in the incident.

He explained that this weapon was discovered concealed at a hut situated not far from the suspect's residence, having been laid flat and shielded by a zinc sheet. According to police, the teenager sustained a gunshot wound on August 16 while carrying out maintenance on a water catchment area located approximately 1km from his home.

Investigations subsequently revealed that the victim was hunting with his relative in the forest when he was unintentionally shot by a friend who had mistakenly identified him as an animal. The police are persisting with their inquiries, which include tracking witnesses and accumulating additional details relevant to the case. The public is advised to submit any pertinent information to the police and refrain from making assumptions.

The investigation is being conducted under Section 307 of the Penal Code and Section 37 of the Arms Act 1960.