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A MAN was killed after he was allegedly mistaken for a deer and shot by a friend during a hunting trip in Long Tabing Atas Jaya, Tinjar, Baram last Thursday in a fatal incident police say involved poor visibility and mistaken identity.
Marudi district police chief Deputy Superintendent Nor Aizan Jamil said the incident occurred at about 8.30pm when the victim and three other men, including a 63-year-old elderly companion, had gone hunting in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
He said that upon reaching the area, the main suspect, who was carrying a shotgun, claimed to have spotted what he believed was a deer and instructed the group to stop the vehicle and switch off the engine.
“The man got out to track the target, while the victim and two other friends remained inside the vehicle, using a torchlight to illuminate the area.
“After about 10 minutes walking roughly 80 metres from the vehicle, the man saw a small light which he believed were the eyes of a deer and fired one shot towards it.
“The shot actually struck the victim, who was inside the vehicle. The suspect only realised what had happened after seeing emergency signals before rushing back,” he said in a statement today.
The victim, who was still conscious at the time, reportedly complained of thirst before being taken back to a longhouse to switch vehicles and later transported to Long Lama Health Clinic for treatment. However, he was pronounced dead at about 9.52pm.
Following the incident, the suspect and two other men surrendered at the Long Lama police station and were detained to assist investigations.
Preliminary findings indicated that only the main suspect possessed a firearm, and that the shotgun licence had expired.
Police also seized the weapon, a spent cartridge, a live round of ammunition, and a Toyota Hilux vehicle used during the trip.
Investigations found the area was a palm oil plantation near dense forest, with hilly terrain and limited visibility.
The victim’s body has been sent to Miri Hospital for post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code. Police have also conducted urine screening on all suspects and enlisted forensic support.
The suspect and two companions, aged 63, 47 and 42, have been remanded for seven days until 17 April to assist further investigations. - April 12, 2026