'Shoot if you're in doubt, worried, don't wait' - KL police chief's orders after cop's hand severed

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — In the wake of a brutal machete assault on a police constable, the city's chief police officer has issued a directive to his officers, instructing them to never hesitate in discharging their service firearms during violent encounters. Chief Fadil Marsus emphasized that frontline personnel must act swiftly to protect their lives, rather than risking a similar catastrophic injury.

He stressed the importance of readiness, instructing officers to be prepared, draw their weapons, and fire when faced with resistance. The directive came after a violent confrontation at a residential flat in Desa Aman Puri, Kepong, Selangor, where a foreign man wielding machetes attacked a police constable. The incident occurred around 4pm when authorities were alerted by a public report of an aggressive individual displaying unstable behavior.

A multi-agency team, comprising police, Fire and Rescue Department responders, and Health Ministry personnel, responded to the scene. Upon breaching the apartment door, the assailant lunged forward with two machetes, severely injuring a 26-year-old lance corporal, who lost his right wrist and sustained head and torso lacerations.

Several firefighters and medical personnel also sustained minor injuries during the clash. The attacker managed to evade the scene but was eventually cornered four hours later at a nearby playground, where he attempted a second machete assault on arresting officers. Police then opened fire, resulting in the suspect's death during transport to the hospital.

The injured lance corporal was rushed to Selayang Hospital before being transferred to Hospital Kuala Lumpur, where he underwent specialist surgery to save his severed hand. He remains in stable condition as images and footage of the bloody incident continue to circulate widely across Malaysian social media.