Police patrols will be trained in using tasers soon

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Police in the motorcycle patrol unit (URB), patrol car unit and tourism police will soon be equipped with tasers after obtaining the necessary certification.
Penang police chief Datuk Chuah Ghee Lye said the tasers were to stop suspects who resist police instructions.
He said suspects who were violent or had run amok will be stunned with a 50,000 volt shot.
"This can stop the suspect from moving for at least five seconds giving policemen time to secure the suspect," he said in a press conference after closing a taser usage course today.
Chuah said the tasers has been deployed since 2009 but those who were issued with the gun could only use them after taking a course.
He said police personnel needed to attend the course as those issued with a taser needed to know how to handle the weapon properly.
He said a taser could be aimed at the stomach, legs and hands and had a range of some 7m.
"They are not allowed to shoot the face or eyes of the suspects," he added.