JOHOR BARU, MALAYSIA - A welder from Sabak Bernam seeking treatment for his mental illness went amok and was shot dead when he tried to attack two policemen with a knife.

The man, identified only as Wan Mohd Fairus, 25, had earlier slashed his brother and even hijacked a police patrol car during the 9.20am incident in Taman Perling yesterday.

It is learnt that the victim, who had been suffering from mental problems had come to a relative's home here with his mother and elder brother.

Subsequently there was an argument early in the morning and the victim grabbed a knife and stabbed his brother in the back. The commotion caused neighbours to call the police.

When the two policemen saw the disturbed man on the road holding the knife, they tried to calm him down.

The suspect took over the patrol car and reversed it for about 10m, hitting another car and then coming to a halt after ramming into a tree.

Johor Baru (North) Deputy OCPD Supt Mohd Akhir Ishak who confirmed the incident said the police fired a warning shot and aimed at his leg when he tried to attack them.

The man was later pronounced dead and his body sent to the Sultanah Hospital for a post mortem. Supt Mohd Akhir added that none of his men were injured but the victim's brother had three injuries.