Gunman on the run: rare mall shooting in Malaysia triggers manhunt

The suspect vanished into the night after hijacking a car at gunpoint following the shooting at a shopping centre in Setia Alam

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Shoppers are seen gathered outside Setia City Mall in Malaysia on Saturday night after the shooting at the shopping centre, in this still from a social media video. Photo: X/skynewsagra

Published: 11:14am, 10 Feb 2025

A rare shooting at a shopping centre jolted Malaysia this weekend, leaving one man injured and a nation on edge. A 30-year-old fugitive with a history of drug offences remains at large, forcing malls and public spaces to tighten security.

The suspect vanished into the night after hijacking a car at gunpoint following the shooting on Saturday evening at Setia City Mall in Setia Alam, 40 minutes west of Kuala Lumpur. A janitor was shot in the legs, police said.

Videos of terrified shoppers scrambling for cover flooded social media, offering a rare glimpse of gun violence in a country that seldom suffers from it.

Malaysia imposes severe penalties – including death sentences – for offences involving firearms. Civilians cannot easily own guns, and illegal possession carries harsh punishments, making shootings rare.

Shoppers are seen gathered outside Setia City Mall in Malaysia on Saturday night in this still from a social media video. Photo: X/skynewsagra

On Sunday, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain urged calm while announcing intensified surveillance, with auxiliary police officers and mall security guards instructed to be on alert for suspicious activity.

“We understand that there is concern among the community following this case, but we hope that the public does not make any speculation that could cause concern,” he told reporters.