Couldn't risk further injuries by engaging KLIA shooter, cops say

Couldn't risk further injuries by engaging KLIA shooter, cops say

Published: Apr 15, 2024


The police were unable to engage the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) shooter due to public safety concerns, fearing there would be more casualties if a gun battle broke out.

During a press conference, Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan said they were worried the incident could become worse if they engaged with the shooter.

“He released the shots in a public area where there were a lot of civilians, including children.

“Therefore, the swift action taken by the police and airport security was the fastest and the best in my opinion,” he added.

On Sunday, 38-year-old Hafizul Marawi was believed to have shot at his wife but hit her bodyguard instead in the 1.15am incident.

Hussein also believed Hafizul was still in the country.

“We are still looking for him.

“We believed he is still in the country and possesses the gun,” he told the media at the KLIA district police headquarters.

The police also believed Hafizul fled northwards after the incident.

The suspect also had previous criminal records involving robbery and impersonating civil servants.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain told Bernama that Hafizul’s pictures were distributed to entry points north of the peninsula and to authorities of a neighbouring country.

The injured bodyguard, Mohd Nur Hadith Zaini, 38, was then brought to the Cyberjaya Hospital, where his wife, Siti Noraida, told Bernama that her husband was in critical condition and needed to be intubated.


Reviewing security measures

Hussein added that the police took 11 statements from witnesses, including the police, airport security, Siti Noraida, and the doctor who treated Nur Hadith.

He also said the police and airport management will review safety aspects at the location to avoid similar incidents, adding that security officials will be equipped with electric scooters soon.

“Earlier this year, I suggested using the scooters, and the Selangor government has approved it.

“(The scooters are) expected to arrive soon,” he added.

He also suggested that the airport use scanners and close the departure and arrival alleys from public vehicle access.

He added that, unlike other international airports, certain areas of KLIA are still not equipped with scanners that can detect firecrackers or firearms.

“We will suggest the airport use scanners to avoid similar accidents from recurring again,” he added.