Every Singaporean's weekend holiday destination might not be that safe after all, after Malaysian media reported a ride-by shooting in broad daylight.

A man, who was just having lunch with his friends at a restaurant on Jalan Setia, Johor Bahru in the late morning, was fatally shot and pronounced dead by the paramedics on the scene.

Several restaurant patrons later told local news media that a motorcyclist had passed by, followed by 7 loud popping sounds.

Seconds later, the victim fell and was heard screaming, even as patrons and others ran for cover.

When the police still haven't found much at the moment, but a reliable source told local newspapers that the victim was a moneylender, and he had allegedly questioned by police in May last year on secret-society-related matters. He adds that the incident was presumed to be linked to gang-related activities.

Crime scene located near the infamous AEON mall

If you are a Singaporean who visits Malaysia regularly, then you would have heard the name AEON mall, which is one of the favourite and must go to destination in Malaysia.

And the location of the shooting just happens to be just blocks away from the AEON Mall in Tebrau City that is commonly visited by Singaporeans when they are doing their weekly shopping for groceries and regular shopping and eating.

But I doubt one isolated shooting incident wouldn't be enough to stop the Singaporean shoppers from going there.

Local authorities reassures that safety of the city is not compromised

In his statement to the media, Johor police chief M Kumar called this shooting an isolated case, and he reassures the public that there is no need to panic as there is no link to the broader safety concerns or threats in Johor.

He also warned the public to not speculate or make comments that could disrupt the investigation process or manipulate facts to cause public unease.

Kumar also added that a special team from the state police criminal investigation department has been formed to investigate the incident and identify the individuals involved.