City police chief Habibi Majinji said the shooter, believed aged between 30 and 40, seemed to have set his sights on the trio, including two boys, who were shot in the 7.30pm incident.

“Based on our investigations so far, the suspect, who was travelling in a blue-coloured pump boat, had targeted them.

“The suspect shot in the direction of the victims as soon as he reached the wooden bridge they were on,” he said, adding that witnesses heard five to six shots being fired.

“However, we are still establishing the actual motive for the attack. Efforts are being made to arrest the suspect. We have identified the location he’s hiding,” Habibi said at the city police headquarters here today.

Earlier, Habibi had said two boys, aged 10 and three, and a 36-year-old man were hurt in a random attack at Kampung Lok Urai, Pulau Gaya, just after Maghrib prayers yesterday.

It is learned that the man could have one of his legs amputated after suffering serious injury to the knee.

However, he and the two boys are reported to be in stable condition. Police were unable to speak to them about the incident as the victims are under heavy medication.

Police, meanwhile, have cordoned off Kampung Pondo, another village on the other side of the island where they believe the suspect is hiding out.

Personnel from the D9 unit, Criminal Investigation Department and marine police, from the district and state headquarters, have surrounded the village following the incident.

Habibi said police have cut off possible escape routes for the suspect.

“It is believed the shooter is armed with a gun. We are exercising caution but we will catch him,” he said.

He advised the public not to be alarmed over the incident, which he said was the city’s first case involving a firearm after a long time.

“This is an isolated case. So, please don’t be worried,” he said.

Habibi urged those with information on the attack to contact the police immediately.