KENINGAU: An 11-year-old boy died after allegedly being shot by a homemade firearm known as a ginsok while at a rubber plantation shelter in Kampung Mampulut, Sook, near here, last Saturday.
In the incident, the victim sustained severe head injuries before being rushed to Keningau Hospital for emergency treatment, but subsequently passed away.
Keningau District Police Chief Supt Erwansyah Abdul Basir stated that his department received a report regarding the incident at approximately 2:35 p.m. on October 10.
According to him, preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was with another child at the rubber plantation shelter when a gunshot occurred.
“Initial investigation suggests the incident involved a homemade firearm known as a ginsok.
“The victim was taken to Keningau Hospital for emergency medical care, but was confirmed deceased,” he said in a statement today.
Erwansyah shared that an autopsy performed at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu last night confirmed the victim’s death resulted from a gunshot wound to the head.
He explained that police are conducting a thorough investigation to determine how the firearm was obtained, stored, and handled, leading to this incident.
“Forensic and ballistic examinations are also being prioritized to establish the shooting mechanism and connect the suspected weapon to the victim’s injury.
“Police are additionally examining the unlicensed firearm ownership aspect and investigating whether negligence exposed a child to danger,” he stated.
According to him, the case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Children Act 2001 concerning child neglect or exposure to injury.
The investigation is also proceeding under Section 8(a) of the Firearms Act 1960 regarding possession, custody, or control of an unlicensed or improperly permitted firearm.
Erwansyah emphasized that legal action will be taken based on gathered evidence and applicable legal provisions.
In this regard, he reminded the public to refrain from owning firearms without proper authorization, while licensed firearm owners must ensure their weapons are stored securely and locked.
“The public is also requested not to engage in speculation that could interfere with police investigations,” he added.
