A soldier was killed while two people were injured after a soldier allegedly fired several shots to disperse a commotion in front of a convenient store in Lahad Datu town early this morning.

Sabah Police Commissioner Hamza Taib, when contacted, said the  soldier, Lance Corporal Muhamad Fiffixezapey Mat Hussin, 28, died in Lahad Datu Hospital.

Muhamad Fiffixezapey was admitted to Lahad Datu Hospital with an injury on the left chest.

Hamza said the two civilians who were hurt in front of the Gemilang 24 Jam outlet at 4.45am were Indonesian men, aged 31 and 38 years old.

They were injured on the left calf and left back, respectively and were treated in Lahad Datu Hospital.

According to Hamza, the soldier who fired the shots was on patrol duty during the incident.

He said investigation at the scene found several bullet casings and blood splattered on the ground.

“The motive of the incident is still being investigated under Section 302 and 307 of the Penal Code.

“Police are trying to trace the soldier involved. An arrest will be made and the weapon will be seized,” he said.

Hamza advised the public to remain calm as the incident has been classified as a criminal case and did not involve criminals from outside the state.

“The situation is safe and under control,” he added.

- Bernama