An Indonesian man surrendered to police early today after allegedly shooting dead five people during a wedding reception.

Nine others were wounded in the Wednesday night incident at an inland settlement in Sarawak, Bernama news agency reported.

Entusa Imam, police chief in the town of Song, said preliminary investigation showed the man fired five blasts from a shotgun at the longhouse where guests had gathered for a reception, Bernama reported.

Song is about 150 kilometres east-northeast of the state capital, Kuching.

All of the wounded, including two serious cases, were taken to hospital in Kapit town east of Song, the police chief said.

The Indonesian, 36, is married to the longhouse chief's daughter, the report said, without giving the suspect's name.

Teased by youths

Explaining a possible reason for the killing, Entusa said he received information that youths had persistently teased the Indonesian because he is stateless and has no identity card.

"Probably he could not take it anymore," Entusa said.

It was not clear if the youths were among the victims.

"The bride and the bridegroom are safe," Entusa said.

The scene of the shooting is a one-hour trek on foot after a 10-minute river journey from Song, the police chief said.

He could not be immediately reached for confirmation.