In a shocking incident that has sent waves of alarm through the Sibu community, a man was shot at close range by a mysterious gunman while waiting to pick up his child from school. The incident occurred around 2:30 PM in a narrow alley along Jalan Wong King Howe, not far from a local school in Sibu, Sarawak.
The victim, described as middle-aged, was sitting in his parked car when an unknown assailant approached the vehicle. Reports indicate that the right-side window was down at the time of the attack, allowing the shooter to fire a single shot into the car. The bullet struck the man in the back before hitting and cracking the front windshield. Witnesses nearby, including students and parents, initially mistook the gunfire for a tyre burst or minor car accident.
After being struck, the wounded man managed to open his car door and stumble to the roadside in search of help but collapsed shortly thereafter. A passerby, who was alerted by the sound of the gunshot, quickly discovered the victim and called the police and medical services. Emergency responders arrived on the scene shortly after, rushing the man to the hospital for treatment. His current condition has not been disclosed.
Local authorities, including Sibu district police chief Asst Comm Zulkipli Suhaili, confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation is underway. The case has been classified under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder, and police are actively searching for the assailant.
This brazen attack has reignited concerns among Sibu residents about public safety. Many on social media have revived Sibus's "Wild West" reputation, a nickname it has held due to past gang-related incidents and violent crime. Despite efforts by the community and law enforcement to reshape Sibu's image, this incident has resurfaced fears of lawlessness and sparked discussions about safety in the area.
As police work to uncover the identity of the attacker, local officials are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. In the meantime, the community remains on edge, hoping this alarming incident will lead to more safety measures and a renewed focus on reducing crime in Sibu.
