GEORGE TOWN: It has emerged that a bodyguard who allegedly ran amok last night, shooting three people to death and injuring five others on the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, has a history of mental instability.
Investigations also reveal that the man, in his 40s, had previous military training and holds a valid firearms license.
The bodyguard, who worked for businessman Datuk Ong Teik Kwang, was arrested at the scene soon after the 7.30pm incident, while Ong's driver, also in his 40s, was apprehended a few hours later.
"Our initial investigations show that the gunman has a mental problem.
"He also had previous military training as has a valid firearms license," said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar in a press conference at Universiti Sains Malaysia today.
Both suspects have been remanded for seven days at the Magistrate's Court here today. Their remand was granted by assistant registrar Ahmad Tajudin Zain.
According to state police chief Datuk Abdul Ghafar Rajab, the incident was triggered when Ong discovered that his driver was intoxicated and unable to drive.
Ong then decided to take over from the driver, while still on the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, which ignited an argument with the bodyguard.
The bodyguard then pulled out his weapon and opened fire, first aiming at Ong, then shooting randomly.
The first shots killed Ong, while subsequent shots killed or injured nearby motorists.
The two other victims killed have been identified as Senthil Murugiah, 38, and Choi Hon Ming, 32, who were driving in nearby vehicles.
Those injured are Lee Hong Boon, 56, Nurul Huda Aziz, 38, Arivarni Krishnan, 33, Mohamad Amirul Amin Mohamed Amer, 28, and Lim Boon Leng, 32.
Amirul, a videographer from Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), was hit by a stray bullet in his shoulder while riding his motorcyle along the Expressway.
Northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mior Farid Alathrash Wahid said Amirul underwent an operation to remove the bullet from his wound today.
Amirul, who has been warded at the intensive care unit of the Penang Hospital, is reported to be in stable condition.
Khalid is expected to visit Amirul at noon.
