PETALING JAYA: An inquest will be held into the deaths of three men killed in a police shooting in Durian Tunggal, Melaka, last year, says the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC).
It said it had received and examined the investigation papers submitted by the police before deciding that an inquest be conducted under Section 339(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The decision was made after considering the overall evidence and findings of the police investigation.
"The inquest aims to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the incident and examine the facts that led to the deaths, including whether there was any criminal element in relation to the deaths of the three individuals in the shooting incident in Durian Tunggal, Melaka, on Nov 24, 2025," the AGC said in a statement on Monday (July 20).
An inquest is a judicial inquiry conducted to establish the cause and circumstances surrounding a person's death, including whether any criminal element was involved.
The AGC said it views every incident involving loss of life seriously and the decision to hold an inquest reflects its commitment to ensuring all facts and circumstances related to the incident are examined thoroughly, independently and in accordance with the law.
It added that it remains committed to ensuring all legal processes are carried out fairly, professionally and in line with the rule of law.
Three men, aged between 24 and 29, were killed during a police operation at a palm oil plantation in Durian Tunggal on Nov 24, 2025.
At the time, police said one of the suspects attacked a police corporal with a machete, prompting officers to open fire in self-defence.
Police also alleged the suspects were members of the "Durian Tunggal Gang" and were believed to be on their way to commit a robbery.
However, the victims' families disputed the police's account and questioned the circumstances surrounding the shootings.
On Dec 16, 2025, the AGC directed police to reclassify the investigation as murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code, stating that further investigative steps were required before a final decision could be made.
In the months that followed, the victims' families repeatedly called for updates on the status of the investigation.
