MALAYSIA is generally a very peaceful country, and as such, any news about violent incidents such as shootings would go viral online very rapidly.

Recently, a claim was made online that several men were shot while having drinks at a coffee shop in Sibu. Is this true?

VERDICT:

TRUE

The incident was confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday (Jan 2) by Sibu OCPD Asst Comm Zulkipli Suhaili, who said that three men survived after being shot at by two unidentified men on Monday (Jan 1).

He said the three victims are aged from 27 to 33 and added that they sustained injuries to their thigh, leg and hand.

ACP Zulkipli said that in the 4.55pm incident, the three were drinking at a coffee shop in Jalan Wong King Huo with three other friends when two men on two motorcycles showed up.

"One of the suspects fired at the victims from close range, while the other one did the same from a distance of 20m. They sped off after the shooting," he said.

He added that police personnel rushed to the scene after being alerted at about 5.14pm.

"We found 10 spent bullet casings believed to be from the semi-automatic pistols used by the suspects," said ACP Zulkipli.

He said that the case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code, adding that a team has been formed to determine the attack's motive.

ACP Zulkipli added that two of the victims have a criminal record for a violent crime under Section 148 of the Penal Code dating back to 2017, while one of their friends has a record under Section 324 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.

He then said that those with any information on the case can contact investigating officer ASP Mingat Bakil at 0198867978 or head to the nearest police station.