Police in Johor state announced last weekend the arrest of a 71-year-old suspect. He is accused of using a shotgun to fatally shoot two men and one Vietnamese woman at a food court in Taman Kota Jaya.

The Vietnamese victim owned the shop where the shooting occurred. After the incident, the suspect drove to a cafe about 200 meters from the scene, where he was arrested.

The shooting caused widespread shock in the community. Locals described the suspect as a "kindly old man", a familiar face in the neighborhood, known for speaking politely and behaving gently.

Police escort the 71-year-old suspect accused of shooting three people dead in Johor, Malaysia. *Photo: Malay Mail*

The suspect owned an orchard and possessed a hunting rifle license to protect his crops. He would occasionally bring vegetables and fruits from his garden to give to neighbors.

"He was a gentle uncle who never caused trouble for anyone, so we are all very shocked," said Hamzah Kamat, owner of a restaurant opposite the food court. "A shooting here is shocking enough, but the biggest surprise is that he is the suspect."

According to Johor state police, the suspect owned agricultural land and was eligible to own and use a firearm. The motive for the shooting has not been clarified, but police ruled out terrorism, suggesting the motive may stem from personal debt. The suspect had no prior criminal record.