A Kelantan palace guard was shot in the chest by unidentified men at Kampung Sungai Nyior, Palekbang Tumpat last night.

Comptroller of the Kelantan Royal Household Abdul Halim Hamad said the incident was reported at 12.25am when the guard, Ramli Mohd, 50, was on his way home to Kampung Sungai Pinang, Tumpat, after completing his shift at midnight.

"Upon arriving at Kampung Sungai Nyior, two men on a motorcycle fired a shot which hit the guard's chest," he told reporters during a news conference at his office here today.

Abdul Halim said the guard, who was riding alone, had been trailed by the two men before they approached him and fired the gun.

He said information also revealed that the suspects had turned back to fire another shot in the victim's direction following the first one.  

"However, only one shot hit the guard," he said.

Following the incident, Abdul Halim said he had been directed by Kelantan Regent Tengku Mohammad Faris Petra to have the police thoroughly investigate the case.

He said the guard, who is also a retired soldier and had worked at the palace for 17 years, was being treated at the Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II intensive care unit, here.

The police have yet to issue a statement on the case.

Reason for shooting unknown

    

Meanwhile, Ramli's youngest son, Mohd Faris, 18, claimed that his father was shot from close range by an unknown individual.

He said his father had told him that he was shot by a man riding on a motorcycle who had come from behind.

Mohd Faris said he was informed about the incident several minutes after it happened.

The victim's wife, Maznah Mustapa, 50, said she did not know the reason for the shooting and did not suspect anyone who could be involved in the incident.

Maznah, who has five children aged between 18 and 27, expressed confidence that police could solve the case very soon and charge the persons responsible for the shooting.

- Bernama