Khairi Amri, 42, was sleeping when a group of men entered the village to steal cattle at 3am, Berita Harian reported.

When Khairi woke and shouted for help, the other villagers rushed out and tried to surround the men.

One of the intruders then opened fire, with one shot hitting Khairi in the cheek, before fleeing.

Khairi was taken to Tanah Merah Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

His father, Abdul Kadir Mohamad, 73, said the family was informed of the shooting at about 7am.

He said Khairi had been a caretaker for the villagers’ cattle for the past seven to eight years, managing about 20 cows.

Khairi’s younger brother, Amirul Akil, said five or six men had arrived on motorcycles.

“The group is believed to be from a neighbouring country,” he said.

The group is believed to be part of a cattle-smuggling syndicate operating along the Malaysia-Thailand border, possibly with help from local residents.