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IPOH Barat Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Law and Institutional Reform, M. Kulasegaran, has publicly questioned the Royal Malaysian Police’s initial handling of the fatal shooting of three men in Durian Tunggal, Melaka, urging clarification on why the case was not treated as a murder investigation from the outset.
Kulasegaran emphasised that public trust in Malaysia’s institutions relies on investigations being conducted promptly and comprehensively.
In a statement, he called on the police to expedite the collection of evidence and the recording of witness statements while recollections are still fresh.
“Under what provision was the investigation originally classified, and why was a murder investigation not initiated at the outset?” he asked, highlighting the broader implications for public confidence in the professionalism of law enforcement.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has now ordered that the investigation into the incident on 24 November be reclassified as a murder probe under Section 302 of the Penal Code, following a review of the case file submitted by the police.
The AGC noted that further investigative steps remain necessary before a conclusive determination can be made.
The shooting occurred at approximately 4.30 a.m. at an oil palm plantation in Durian Tunggal, where three men aged between 24 and 29 were fatally shot by police officers.
Initial police accounts claimed that the suspects were members of a gang and that officers opened fire after one of the men allegedly attacked a corporal with a machete, causing serious injury to his arm.
The families of the deceased have publicly contested the police narrative, insisting that the men did not act violently. In response to these allegations, the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department has formed a special task force to investigate the claims.
Kulasegaran welcomed the AGC’s approval of the reclassification, describing it as a critical step toward transparency and an essential measure to reinforce public confidence in the justice system.
He stressed that the families of the victims must be assured that the investigation will fully uncover the circumstances of the incident.
The police have faced heightened scrutiny to ensure the probe is conducted with transparency and fairness. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Inspector-General of Police have both reiterated their commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation. - December 17, 2025