Kota tinggi: Former Johor Bersatu associate wing chief Datuk Tan Lek Khang was seriously injured after he is believed to have accidentally shot himself in the chest at the Ladang Rem shooting range in Kota Tinggi.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad stated that initial investigations suggest Tan shot himself while unloading his pistol shortly after completing a shooting training session. The incident was reported to the Kota Tinggi district police headquarters at 3.30 pm yesterday.
Witnesses indicated that Tan was unloading his firearm when the accidental discharge occurred, contradicting claims that he was shot by someone else. Ab Rahaman confirmed that Tan, who lost consciousness immediately after the incident, was transported to Hospital Kota Tinggi before being moved to Hospital Sultan Ismail for surgery. Tan is now in stable condition.
Tan has held a valid firearms license since 2022. Ab Rahaman noted that police instructors were not involved in the training session at the time of the incident. Statements have been collected from nine witnesses, including five bodyguards, Tan's stepson, an instructor, and two friends, to aid the investigation.
Two pistols, along with their magazines and ammunition, have been confiscated for forensic and ballistic testing to ascertain the incident's cause and ensure compliance with standard procedures. The investigation is proceeding under Section 37 of the Arms Act 1960 and Section 337 of the Penal Code.
A visit to Hospital Sultan Ismail revealed that Tan's political associates, including former Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, and family members were present to support him. Tan's official Facebook page stated he is being treated in the ICU for further monitoring after a four-hour surgery to remove the bullet. His condition is improving, and the family has requested prayers for his recovery.
Earlier this year, on February 13, Tan resigned as Johor Bersatu associate wing chief and Labis Bersatu division associate wing chief, following Hamzah's expulsion from Bersatu. In the 2022 Johor state election, Tan contested the Bekok state seat under Perikatan Nasional but was defeated by Barisan Nasional.