Johor bahru: Former Johor Bersatu associate chief Datuk Tan Lek Khang, who was seriously injured after allegedly shooting himself in the chest on April 28, regained consciousness yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, his friend and former information chief of the party wing, Peter Khoo Kong Ek, confirmed that Tan, who is still receiving treatment at a hospital in Johor Bahru, may need to undergo another follow-up surgery. "He has regained consciousness, but is still weak although he is able to speak a little," Khoo told BERNAMA today.

Tan, also a businessman, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Sultan Ismail Hospital after undergoing a four-hour operation to remove the bullet. Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad previously reported that Tan was believed to have accidentally shot himself while unloading his pistol after a shooting practice session at the Ladang Rem Shooting Range in Kota Tinggi.

Tan has held a valid firearm licence since 2022 for personal security and shooting sports purposes. Statements from nine witnesses at the scene have been recorded to assist investigations, including from five bodyguards, the victim's 19-year-old stepson, an instructor, and two of the victim's friends.