Deadly Shooting in Kota Tinggi Sparks Panic as Gunshots Mistaken for Firecrackers

KOTA TINGGI, April 19: A quiet Sunday afternoon turned tragic in Taman Kota Jaya when a shooting incident left three people dead after initial blasts were mistaken for firecrackers by shocked witnesses.

The incident, which occurred in a busy business area in Kota Tinggi, caused widespread panic as traders and customers scrambled for safety upon realizing the loud noises were gunshots.

According to eyewitnesses, the situation began with a heated argument at a food outlet, which quickly escalated into a physical altercation. A trader identified only as Abdul, 33, said the suspect left the scene briefly before returning.

“After that, we heard several loud bangs. At first, we thought they were firecrackers, but it turned out to be gunshots. Everyone panicked, and we immediately closed our shops,” he said.

Another trader, Hamzah, 57, who has operated in the area for over a decade, said he had noticed the suspect earlier behaving suspiciously.

“He was loitering around before the incident, but we never expected it to end like this. When the shots rang out, people were shouting and asking for help,” he said.

Authorities later confirmed that two local men and a foreign woman, aged between 37 and 63, were killed in the attack at a restaurant in Taman Kota Jaya.

Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad stated that police received a report at approximately 1.30pm. The victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

“A 71-year-old local man was arrested about 200 meters from the location at around 2pm to assist in the investigation,” he said, adding that the suspect is believed to have used a shotgun.

Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect, who is reportedly a vegetable seller and farm operator in the area, may have had a dispute with the victims, although he was not known to have prior issues with local residents.

Police are expected to apply for a remand order at the Kota Tinggi Magistrates’ Court as investigations continue.

The shocking incident has left the local community shaken, with many struggling to come to terms with the sudden outbreak of violence in what is typically a peaceful area.