The mother-in-law of a police officer, who is suspected of shooting his wife dead, claimed that the lance corporal has been suffering from depression for several years.

Recounting an incident which happened during the last Hari Raya, Che Mas Taha said the 27-year-old suspect drove aimlessly until his car ran out of fuel, leaving him stranded.

“At the time, my daughter (deceased) had to request the help of a colleague to find her husband.

“My son-in-law (when found) was said to be praying by the roadside while in tears,” she was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.

According to Che Mas, the suspect was helpful and had been living with her and her husband, who is suffering from fourth-stage cancer, since he married their daughter.

“Whenever there is a medical check-up, he is the one who takes us, even as far as Alor Setar (Kedah),” she said.

Police have obtained a seven-day remand order starting today against the suspect, who is believed to have shot his 26-year-old wife at the couple's residence in Kampung Bendang Baru, Kangar, Perlis yesterday morning.

"The incident happened after the suspect, who is from Terengganu, had just finished his shift,” said Kangar district police chief Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop.

“According to a witness, who was his (suspect's) father-in-law, he suddenly took out his Walther P99 pistol and shot his wife.

“The suspect allegedly fired over five shots at close range, hitting the face and the left eye, causing immediate death," he added.

On Feb 19, a police sergeant died after he is believed to have shot himself three times behind the Bayan Lepas police station in Penang.

Penang police chief Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the post-mortem report ruled out criminal elements.

“We have carried out a detailed investigation and have seen that there is no criminal element (in the case). The results of the autopsy and the pathology visit to the scene are also consistent with our first findings that it was an act of suicide,” he was reported as saying.

If you are feeling depressed or suicidal, or know someone who is, please call the following hotlines:

Talian Kasih
Hotline: 15999

The Befrienders
Hotline: 03-76272929

Agape Counselling Centre Malaysia
Hotline: 03-77855955 or 03-77810800

Life Line Association Malaysia
Hotline: 03-42657995