Authorities have since launched a manhunt for the shooter, while security measures at shopping malls nationwide have been tightened.
SHAH ALAM - A shooting at a shopping mall in Setia Alam, Shah Alam, on the night of Feb 8 sent shockwaves through the community, leaving a cleaner injured and mallgoers in fear.
The suspect, a Malaysian man in his 30s with a history of criminal and drug-related offences, fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene by hijacking a vehicle.
Authorities have since launched a manhunt for the shooter, while security measures at shopping malls nationwide have been tightened.
The incident has also prompted police and government officials to urge the public to avoid spreading speculation, emphasising the importance of relying on official sources for updates.
How the Incident Unfolded
The chaos began at about 10.50pm when the suspect opened fire on a mall cleaner on Level P1 of the shopping complex.
The victim, a foreign national, was in the midst of storing cleaning equipment when he was shot four times, sustaining injuries to his legs and buttocks.
Despite his wounds, the cleaner managed to escape into the mall, while the suspect moved to Level P2. There, he fired additional shots at a glass window and a sliding door before making his escape.
In a dramatic getaway, the suspect hijacked a Perodua Ativa at gunpoint, forcing the driver to leave Shah Alam. The driver was later ordered to stop along a highway, where the suspect fled on foot.
Authorities quickly responded and the victim was rushed to Shah Alam Hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition.
Suspect’s Criminal Background and Possible Motive
Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed that the suspect has 11 prior criminal records, including drug-related offences.
While the exact motive is still under investigation, initial findings suggest that the shooter acted out of anger after the victim told him to move his belongings.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain revealed that the suspect was believed to be under the influence of drugs at the time. However, he said that the real motive has yet to be determined.
The case is being investigated under Section 3 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971, which carries the death penalty and Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder, which can result in up to 20 years in prison.
Eyewitness Accounts: Fear and Panic
The shooting left shoppers and workers in the mall terrified. Aishah Ismail, a 20-year-old employee at a beauty store, described how she was handing out perfume samples when she heard loud bangs.
“At first, I did not realise what the sound was. Then I saw two cleaning staff members in distress,” she recounted.
Aishah recalled seeing the injured cleaner being carried into the restroom before panic set in.
“People started shouting, telling everyone to run. I didn't even have time to close the store, I just ran with my phone in my hand, leaving my bag and identification card behind,” she said.
Uyun Ridhwan, 28, a fitness centre supervisor, helped shelter a family inside his store.
“We were about to close when we heard what we first thought was something falling. But when the shots continued, we knew something was wrong.
“We pulled down the shutters and later helped a family escape through the emergency exit,” he said.
Meanwhile, a restaurant manager, who preferred to remain anonymous, recalled lowering the shutters to protect about 200 diners inside.
Public Figures Caught in the Chaos
Among those at the mall during the shooting were actor Aaron Aziz’s daughter, Dahlia Arissa and singer Vanessa Reynauld.
Aaron took to TikTok to assure his followers that Dahlia and her friend Amira were safe after he rushed to pick them up.
“There was a shooting at Setia City Mall. I just picked up Dahlia and Amira after they left the mall. Hope everyone is safe,” he wrote.
Vanessa, who was inside a store near the scene, shared on Instagram how terrifying the experience was.
“It lasted about 20 minutes and we heard six gunshots. This is my first time experiencing such a situation and it was terrifying,” she said, claiming that her boyfriend even witnessed the victim being shot.
Official Response: Police and Government Urge Public to Stay Calm
Following the incident, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain urged the public not to speculate on the case, as false information could create unnecessary panic.
“We understand that the public is worried, but we ask that they avoid spreading speculation,” he said.
He also added that security at shopping malls and public venues has been tightened nationwide and auxiliary police and security personnel have been instructed to stay vigilant.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil also advised the public to rely only on official sources for updates.
“Do not spread information as if you were present at the scene or investigating the case yourself. This leads to speculation and theories,” he warned.
Mall Reopens Amid Heightened Security
Despite Feb 8 night’s turmoil, the mall reopened its doors the following day (Feb 9).
“The safety and well-being of our shoppers, tenants and employees is our priority. We are working with the authorities, who have approved the reopening,” the mall management stated.
Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) at the mall also resumed operations, offering refunds for interrupted screenings on the night of the shooting.
What is Next?
Authorities are continuing their search for the suspect, who is believed to still be in Selangor. Multiple police units, including those from neighbouring states and border authorities, have been alerted.
Meanwhile, the public has been urged to report any suspicious activity to the police to aid in the investigation.
This shocking incident has sparked discussions on public safety, with many questioning the effectiveness of security measures in shopping malls.
The incident intensified concerns regarding the accessibility of firearms in Malaysia despite stringent gun laws in the country.
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