KUALA LUMPUR: An old grudge and a turf war between organised crime groups are believed to be the motives behind a shooting outside an entertainment outlet along Jalan Telawi in Bangsar recently.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the 3am incident on Wednesday (April 22) began with a fight between two groups before a shot was fired.
"The gunshot struck a local man in the abdomen, and he was rushed to hospital.
"The victim is in stable condition and is still receiving treatment," he told a press conference on Friday (April 24).
Comm Kumar said follow-up investigations and intelligence gathering by the CID led to a raid at a hotel in Klang.
"Two local men were arrested in the operation within 24 hours of the police report being lodged," he said.
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Police also seized a pistol with ammunition and another object believed to be a replica firearm.
"Both suspects, in their 20s and 30s, have criminal records, including for drug-related offences," Comm Kumar added.
Initial investigations revealed that the incident stemmed from a long-standing conflict as well as a turf dispute between the groups involved, he said.
"We do not rule out the involvement of organised crime groups in this case.
"The term ‘secret societies’ is no longer appropriate as it is not provided for under current laws," he added.
He explained that, in legal terms, organised crime refers to the involvement of two or more individuals in serious criminal activities, including violent offences punishable by imprisonment of 10 years or more.
"Even small groups of three to four individuals can be classified as organised crime if these elements are met.
"We believe the case has been solved following the arrest of the two suspects," he said.
The suspects have been remanded until Wednesday (April 29) to assist investigations under Section 3 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971 and Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder.
It was previously reported that the suspects had been involved in a dispute with another group outside a nightclub before the shooting.
One suspect allegedly fired several shots, including warning shots and towards the group, while the other brandished a replica firearm.
Both suspects fled the scene soon after the incident.
