In the 10.15pm incident, the 51-year-old Rela member was hunting for squirrels at his farm in Gertak Sanggul, a town at the southeastern tip of Penang Island, when he accidentally pulled a wire attached to the trigger of the 12-bore shotgun.

“The shotgun was not properly emptied and the man accidentally pulled a wire attached to the trigger,” said Southwest district police chief Supt A Anbalagan.

“Two witnesses heard the shots and saw the man lying on the ground. They called for help.”

Anbalagan said the victim, who has a valid gun permit, was in stable condition after receiving treatment at a hospital.

He said the man sustained injuries to his left arm, face and eyes.

The case is being investigated under Section 39 of the Arms Act 1960 for shooting at a place not permitted by the police chief and Section 338 of the Penal Code for causing grievous hurt by an act which endangers life or the personal safety of others.