KANGAR: A housewife was allegedly shot dead by her Lance Corporal-ranked husband here early this morning.
Kangar District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop, said the 6am shooting took place at the couple's residence in Kampung Bendang Baru, Simpang Empat, Jalan Kangar-Alor Star.
He said the policeman's wife died immediately.
"The incident happened after the suspect, who is from Terengganu, had just finished his shift. According to a witness, who was his (suspect's) father-in-law, he suddenly took out his Walter P99 pistol and shot his wife.
"The suspect allegedly fired over five shots at close range, hitting the face, in the left eye, causing immediate death," he said at the Kangar District Police Headquarters, today.
He said once the shooting began the suspect's father-in-law and mother-in-law, as well as a nephew who lived in the house fled.
"The suspect's father-in-law then called his son to inform him of the incident, before calling the police.
"The police were informed of the incident at 7.26am, went to the victim's house and found the suspect still present.
"Their call for the suspect to surrender proved futile as the assailant remained unresponsive inside the house.
"Police entered the house and found the suspect sitting, still holding the gun in his hand," he said.
Yusharifuddin said the suspect was then arrested.
His wife's body was found lying on the bed in a room in the house.
"Some bullet casings were also found on the floor.
"The body was taken to the Forensic Department of Tuanku Fauziah Hospital, Kangar for post-mortem," he said.
The couple had no children.
"The suspect has been working at the Perlis Police Contingent Headquarters for four years," he added.
He said that every policeman can carry a firearm while on duty and with permission from their department head.
Yusharifuddin said the case was being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, and the suspect was being held at the Kangar Police Station.
The suspect is expected to be brought to the Kangar Court tomorrow for a remand order.