Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar has smacked the Bar Council and human rights lawyers for not explaining to the public that it is not right to kill someone in self-defence.

He said this in reaction to public outrage over a viral story that a man who killed a robber in self-defence, is being charged with murder.

"Section 99 of the Penal Code clearly outlines the limits of self-defence, not just for the public, but for us (the police) too.