The Regent of Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra, wants police to give priority to solving the case of palace guard

Ramli Mohamad, 50, who died from his injuries here today after he was shot by an unknown person on May 1.

Kelantan palace comptroller Abdul Halim Hamad said the Regent hoped that police had found the leads to solving the case soon.

"The Kelantan Regent is deeply saddened by what happened and hopes police will give priority to this case.

"His royal highness has also conveyed his condolences to the family of the late Ramli and a million thanks to the doctors at Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital for giving their best in trying to save his life," he told reporters at the hospital's mortuary in Kota Bharu.

Ramli died at the hospital's intensive-care unit at 3.30am after being in critical condition since yesterday.

In the May 1 incident, Ramli was riding his motorcycle to return home when he was shot by an unknown person in Kampung Kok Keli, Tumpat.

He was seriously wounded by four gunshots fired at close range.

Following the incident, Tengku Muhammad Faris ordered that security control over the Kelantan Sultan be tightened.

Abdul Halim said forensic experts were expected to arrive from Kuala Lumpur at 3pm today to conduct a post-mortem on Ramli's body.

"At the hospital, Ramli's remains would be prepared for burial and then taken to Muhammadi Mosque for prayer. He is expected to be buried at his village cemetery in Kampung Kok Keli, Tumpat after Asar prayer," he said.

Abdul Halim said Ramli's wife Maznah Mustafa and their five children were beside him when he breathed his last.

He said the Kelantan Regent visited Ramli at 11pm last night and gave some words of comfort and advice to his family.

The Regent also gave a personal contribution of RM100,000 to Ramli yesterday to help lessen the family's financial burden.

The late Ramli, a staff member of the Kelantan Palace, had been a security guard there for more than 17 years and was regarded as dedicated and amiable.

Ramli's son, Mohd Faris, 19, also urged police to expedite their investigation into the fatal shooting of his father.

"We are very sad over what happened to our father," he said.

Ramli's brother, Major (Rtd) Azmi Mohamad, 54, thanked everyone who had rendered assistance to Ramli him until his death.

"We accept what happened as fated," he said.

- Bernama