Remand for duo in shooting to be extended
GEORGE TOWN: Two men, including the bodyguard who allegedly shot businessman Datuk Ong Teik Kwong and two others in a shooting rampage on Thursday, will have their remand extended at the magistrate’s court here today. The other man is Ong’s driver.
State police chief Datuk Abdul Ghafar Rajab said the duo, in their 30s, would see their seven-day remand order, expiring today, extended for another week.
“We are applying for their remand to be extended for another week to allow us more time to wrap up investigations,” he said yesterday when asked on the progress of the investigation of the shooting at Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway.
It was reported that the bodyguard and driver were arrested following the shooting, which also killed florist Senthil Murugiah, 38, who was riding a motorcycle, and Choi Hon Ming, 32, who was in his car.
The incident also left five others injured, including a Radio Televisyen Malaysia videographer. All were hit by stray bullets.
Ghafar confirmed that Ong was linked to investigations under the Emergency Ordinance (EO).
“Ong has been arrested many times. He was probed under EO but had no criminal record. He has never been charged with any offence.”
Ghafar said investigations would see the closure of a section of Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway from 9am to 5pm today.
“It will allow the forensic team to comb for evidence. We have collected 11 bullet casings, but investigations are not over yet,” he said, urging road users to avoid the stretch of the highway near Penang Bridge.
Ghafar said police had recorded statements from 19 victims and witnesses to date.
Commenting on the video clip that showed a shirtless 47-year-old man being beaten up at Ong’s funeral for allegedly insulting the victim, Ghafar said one man who was arrested to assist investigations would be released on police bail today after his remand expires.
He said police had identified two men, still at large, for allegedly taking the law into their own hands, adding that they would be arrested soon.