In the 4.45am incident, the 35-year-old local resident went to the police station on a motorcycle and was believed to have been under the influence of alcohol, Kosmo reported.

“The suspect has been remanded for four days to assist in the investigation,” the daily quoted a source as saying.

The suspect, who sustained some light injuries during his arrest, is being treated at Penang Hospital, the source said, adding that he tested negative for drug use.

According to Berita Harian, when asked why he had come to the police station, the suspect scolded the policeman harshly and barged into the compound.

The suspect then attempted to seize the policeman’s HK MP5 submachine gun, but failed.

When the policeman attempted to defuse the situation, the suspect took off his helmet and attacked him.

The policeman’s colleagues then stepped in, successfully apprehending the suspect.

In a statement, Penang police chief Hamzah Ahmad said the suspect had four criminal records, two of them related to drug offences.

He said the case is being investigated under sections 353 and 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation and the use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging his duty, and Section 90 of the Police Act 1967 for disorderly conduct in a police station.