Durian Tunggal shootinng: Urgent need for police accountability

We, the undersigned civil society organisations and individuals, are gravely concerned about the shooting in Durian Tunggal, Malacca.

We call for an independent and transparent investigation into the matter, and ensure any misconduct or criminal actions are dealt with swiftly in consultation with the victims’ families.

On 24 November 2025, the police reported a police shooting in Durian Tunggal, Alor Gajah, Malacca. The police alleged that three assailants attacked them.

The three assailants were allegedly on their way to rob an unspecified place when they were intercepted by police.

On 2 December, the family members and the lawyers for the three individuals released information, including a recorded phone call, that cast significant doubt on the police’s account of the shooting.

In the recorded phone call, there were indications that the three attempted an escape, but were compliant once they were stopped.

On 5 December, the prime minister was reported to have instructed the inspector general of police to investigate the matter.

On 10 December, the recording and other related evidence were handed to Bukit Aman for further investigation.

On 13 December, the Malacca police chief disclosed details about the family members of one of the deceased. His statement indicates that the individual was not a spouse but merely a partner of the deceased and allegedly had past criminal records.

The discharge of firearms by the police and other enforcement agencies is a serious matter. The use of weapons should be the last resort for any officers on duty, as the use would be likely to result in grievous bodily harm, if not death.

The severity of this matter was acknowledged by the government, with the Attorney General’s Chambers issuing Use of Firearms Guidelines (While on Duty) 2017.

In the Durian Tunggal case, the evidence presented by the lawyers and family members indicates an abuse of power and possibly an extrajudicial killing or a summary execution by the police officer on duty. The alleged actions of the three police officers, if proven true, would amount to murder.

The seriousness of this shooting should have led Malacca Police to suspend their internal investigation and hand over the investigation to Bukit Aman.

In these circumstances, it is highly unethical and malicious for a police chief responsible for this shooting to attempt to mislead and misdirect public attention away from the possible illegality behind the shooting.

The family members’ background and history have no bearing on the shooting or the conduct of the police officers on duty. The lawyer for the person has since disputed the claims. If so, the statement by the Malacca police chief is likely to be illegal and defamatory.

Civil society and other groups have consistently advocated for an independent police complaints and misconduct commission (IPCMC) to address misconduct and criminal acts by police officers.

The government has since introduced the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) without the broad powers for investigation and prosecution proposed for IPCMC.

This case will test the IPCC’s competence and effectiveness in handling police misconduct.

The public image of the police has already declined due to its past conduct and needs substantial internal and external reform to recover.

The Durian Tunggal shooting should serve as a warning for the police to review their internal practices and how they manage conflicts with the public, especially when police officers have allegedly committed crimes or are under criminal investigation.

Apart from this shooting, police misconduct in 2025, not in any particular order, includes:

To this end, we, the undersigned civil society organisations and individuals, call for:

Endorsed by: