Depressed Malaysian Policeman Detained After Firing 58 Shots

A Malaysian policeman, who is believed to suffer from depression, was detained after he fired 58 shots into the air, a news report said Thursday. The 22-year-old officer fired the shots near a cemetery early Wednesday, said Abdul Razak Hassan, district police chief of central Pahang state.

"No injury was reported as it is a remote area," he told the official Bernama news agency.

Abdul Razak said the officer, who has been in the force for three years, had taken home his pistol after his shift, which was against regulations.

He said the suspect has been detained to facilitate further investigations.

***** There are mentally disturbed people in every profession but the danger they pose, especially if they come from the ranks of the police or the army, cannot be overemphasised. Needless to say the pressure that the cops face on a daily basis is daunting and more attention should be given to their emotional wellbeing and welfare. However a situation where shots have been fired must and I'm sure will be taken very seriously by the authorities. Unlike that mentally unstable teacher who preached racism in a school in Selangor and was surprisingly rewarded with a transfer to a smart school nearer her home, the police don't have that luxury.