A construction contractor was shot dead by an unidentified man at a car park of the Penang City Council (MBPP) Flats at Jalan Sungai Pinang in George Town last night.

Timur Laut district police chief Che Zaimani Che Awang said the incident occurred at about 11.30pm while the victim, identified as Mohammad Nazrulhisyam Mohamed Meera, 27, was having a chat with six friends at the car park.

He said that a Yamaha 135 LC motorcycle with two men, dressed in black and wearing crash helmets with visors, then stopped nearby.

"The pillion rider then got down from the motorcycle and fired several shots, which hit the victim on the head and body, before jumping on the machine again and fleeing,” he said.

He said the victim was taken in an ambulance to Penang Hospital, but died during treatment at 12.48am today.

Police were investigating the motive of the attack, said Che Zamani, adding that based on preliminary investigation, the victim had previous criminal records.

He urged those with information on the incident to contact the nearest police station.

- Bernama