KOTA BELUD: Two men were injured after they were shot by a friend, who had mistaken them for deer, at an orchard in Kampung Gaur here yesterday.
It is learnt that the incident occurred after the two victims were searching for herbs in the area.
District police chief superintendent Shahrudin Mat Husain, said the police were alerted of the incident at about 3am by the Kota Belud Hospital's emergency unit.
"Following this incident, the police arrested a 45-year-old man and seized a homemade shotgun 'bakakuk' along with a spent bullet casing to assist in the investigation into the case.
"Further investigation revealed that when the two victims and the suspect split up when they entered the orchard" he said in a statement today.
As a result of the incident, the two victims sustained injuries to their abdomen, thighs, and legs and were immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.
He added that the case is being investigated under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960 for possessing or carrying arms and ammunition without an arms license or arms.
"If found guilty, the offender could face up to seven years in prison or a fine not exceeding RM10,000, or both," he said.
Shahrudin advised the public not to keep or possess firearms without a valid license. He said this is to prevent such incidents from recurring and posing a threat to public safety.