The federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman has set up a special task force to investigate the murder of PKR Miri branch secretary Bill Kayong in Sarawak this morning.

Kayong, 43, was the PKR candidate who contested the Bekenu seat in the Sarawak state elections on May 7 was shot dead about 8.30am while in his Toyota Hilux pick-up vehicle at a traffic light junction in Lutong.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the task force would be led by Sarawak CID chief, SAC Dev Kumar M. M Sree Shunmugam.

LIVE UPDATES: PKR Miri's Bill Kayong shot dead

He said the police force would also send CID officers from Bukit Aman to assist the task force.

He said the motive behind the death was under investigation and urged the public not to speculate.

Khalid said this at a press conference after the signing of a memorandum of police cooperation with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, National Archives and the Integrity Institute of Malaysia and launching of the Police Code of Ethics, 2016-2020 Integrity Plan and Standard Compliance Manual books at Bukit Aman here.

READ: Bill Kayong's shooting: Catch the culprit, bring him to justice! - PKR

"The case (Kayong's murder) is sensitive, let the police investigate first to find out the motive and track down those responsible. If there are developments, the Sarawak CID chief will inform us," he added.

Kayong was also Sarawak Dayak Association (Pedas) secretary, which fights for the welfare of the Dayak community.

READ: 13 Dayak NGOs condemn murder of Bill Kayong