KOTA BARU: A 36-year-old Malaysian who waited patiently for over two years following the Covid-19 pandemic to cross over Sungai Golok to take part in cockfighting found that winning the bloodsport could cost him his life.
On Saturday, the Malaysian sneaked across the border and luck was on his side as the cock he backed won.
The actual drama, however, was not in the cockpit but took place as he was returning home with his winnings across the border.
A relative said the victim was so eager to get to the cockfight after two years that he crossed via an illegal jetty in Rantau Panjang on Saturday.
"He wanted to take part in the cockfighting at the Sungai Golok cockpit. He went early and did not want to cross over there with his friends as he wanted to see the opening ceremony.
"He was so excited, as it had been over two years since we last took part in the game due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He was there until the cockfighting was over.
"I was informed that he won in some categories and was returning home with several friends via the same route when he was shot at about 11pm," he said.
The relative said the victim was crossing Sungai Golok when he was shot by several individuals believed to be Thai nationals.
"I was told that the individuals fired three shots at the victim and one struck his left hand.
"The victim saved himself by swimming back across to the Malaysian side in Rantau Panjang before seeking treatment for his injuries," he added.
Cockfighting is a popular bloodsport in Thailand and also attracts many Malaysians, especially those from Kelantan.