Woman killed in drive-by shooting in Penang

GEORGE TOWN — A 50-year-old woman was shot dead by a motorcycle pillion rider as she was driving from Sungai Dua towards Jalan Bukit Gambir in Penang on Tuesday evening (Feb 21).

It was learnt that Ruby Lee Poh Ai, who owned a logistics company, sustained six gunshot wounds to her chest and body.

Lee was shot at about 10 times in the 5.45pm incident in Jalan Pekaka 1.

(Photo: Malay Mail Online)

State Criminal Investigation Department chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Zainol Samah said two men on a motorcycle came up on the right side of her heavily-tinted BMW and the pillion rider opened fire at the victim from close range.

He said the woman, who was believed to be married, lost control of her car and hit a four-wheel drive vehicle before crashing into the culvert in front of a double-storey terrace house at Lintang Pekaka 9.

She was also not linked to any triads or pregnant, Penang Police Chief Commissioner Chuah Ghee Lye said on Wednesday.

Dispelling rumours spread online and published in some online media outlets, he stressed that there was no evidence that she was connected to any gangs or gang activities.

“At the moment, we have no indications of involvement with (triads). We are still looking into the motive; the incident happened less than 24 hours ago, so give us time,” he told reporters at the Penang police headquarters.

He also criticised news outlets that reported her as pregnant. Mr Chuah said they are thoroughly investigating the case, including the victim’s as well as her husband’s business dealings. He also confirmed that the victim’s husband is an entertainment outlet owner.

“We have some leads and we are following the leads. With these leads, we hope to identify the suspects in this case,” he said.

Videos of the incident, which showed the car losing control and hitting a four-wheel drive, were distributed online.

Mr Chuah appealed to members of the public with videos of the incident to submit these to the police for their investigations.

“We are also collecting CCTV recordings from houses in the area and its vicinity, not only that road. We are going through it to look for more leads,” he said. 

“We do not have any possible motive for the shooting. Any assistance from the public who might have seen the incident is welcome.

"The suspects are dangerous individuals, they are armed, so those who have any information that could help us, please come forward,” he said.

The driver of the four-wheel drive vehicle escaped unhurt. Lee’s body was sent to Hospital Penang for a post-mortem.

The incident attracted hundreds of onlookers from the nearby housing estate.

“I heard what sounded like firecrackers and when I looked outside, I saw the white car which had crashed in front of the house,” said a man in his early 40s, who lives in a nearby flat.

Another resident, who identified himself as Lim, 39, said he was on his way to Queensbay along the same route when his wife alerted him of the incident. “She told me she was afraid but I calmed her down,” he said.

It was the second shooting on a busy road in Penang since December. On Dec 1, businessman Ong Teik Kwong was allegedly shot dead by his bodyguard on the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway.

Two others were killed and five were seriously hurt. Ja’afar Halid, 37, has been charged with the murder of Ong and the two others. MALAY MAIL ONLINE