Taman kota jaya: Panic gripped a business area in Taman Kota Jaya here today after witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion that was initially thought to be firecrackers, but was later found to be a shooting that left three people dead. A trader who wanted to be known only as Abdul, 33, said he first saw several people arguing at a food outlet about 50 metres from his shop before the situation escalated into a physical fight. He said the suspect then went to his vehicle before returning to the scene.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, after that, several loud bangs were heard, initially mistaken for firecrackers, but they were later identified as gunshots. Abdul mentioned that everyone panicked, prompting them to close their shops immediately. Another trader, Hamzah, 57, noted the suspect's suspicious behavior as he loitered in the area before the incident. Despite the suspect's presence, the tragedy was unexpected. Following the blasts, chaos ensued as people sought help.

Hamzah, who has been operating in the area for over a decade, mentioned that the suspect, known as a vegetable seller and farm operator, had no known issues with residents. However, he is believed to have had a dispute with the victims. Earlier, Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad confirmed that two local men and a foreign woman, aged 37 to 63, were shot dead at a restaurant in Taman Kota Jaya. The incident was reported to the police at about 1.30 pm, and the victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

A 71-year-old local man was arrested around 200 metres from the crime scene at 2 pm to assist in the investigation. A remand application for the suspect will be made at the Kota Tinggi Magistrates' Court tomorrow.