Those present at a trade exposition organised by PAS in Kedah were literally shell-shocked when a trader fired four shots into the air.

According to a Bernama report today, the 59-year-old man had become 'too excited' after listening to a lecture given by several speakers, including PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

Kota Star police chief ACP Zainal Abidin Kasim said the man was arrested on the spot and placed under remand for five days for investigations.

He said the man sold herbal drinks and tonic at the three-day exposition which ended last night in Alor Star.

"On Saturday night, the man fired four shots and intended to fire eight more last night but no reports had been lodged with the police on the first incident," he added.

Last night, he said, the man was spotted carrying a Binelli 12-gauge semi-automatic rifle over his shoulder and a bullet belt around his waist.

Fired for fun

He said policemen who were present told the event organiser to warn the man not to fire any shots but advice went unheeded.

There were about 300 people at the expo when the man fired four shots, prompting the police to apprehend him and seize the rifle and nine bullets, he added.

Zainal Abidin said the trader was taken to the Jalan Langgar Police Station and when questioned, he replied that he fired the shots for fun.

Police later seized another 171 rounds of ammunition from his house.

Investigations revealed that the trader had a valid licence to own the rifle and bullets to protect his orchard since 1993.

The case is being investigated under Section 39 of the Arms Act 1960 for firing shots at an unauthorised location. If convicted, he is liable to a maximum of a year's jail or RM2,000 fine.