If i recall, you also need to have a medical certificate stating that your fit to own a gun when you submit to PDRM. Also, if your not interested to join PDRM, you can always join Wataniah (reserved army). Not only guns, but also grenades, machine guns, mortars. Hell you might be given the chance to fire an artillery
Thing is, many people think owning a gun is useful in our current state. Realistically, not many people have the knowledge to treat the gun with respect. To name a few, cleaning the gun whether you use it or not, storing the gun at a safe place but only accessible to you, emptying the barrel when not in use and most importantly gun must be in 'safe' mode (particularly hand guns). Luckily we have shooting galleries that will show you how to take care of your gun and take the necessary precautions especially those that intend to use for self defence. Thing is, how many would take the effort and means to attend it (unless you have been in the law enforcement / military service).
Of course shit happens, but if you take the necessary precautions you won't accidentally shoot your own foot.
Furthermore, not many understand how a handgun or shotgun works as in the pros and cons of the gun. I remember reading in a news that someone got shot by his own shotgun or rifle when the gun fired off and killed the owner years ago. The story is a bit vague for me now, but apparently the gun fired off when the vehicle that he was riding hit a porthole or something. The problems: he placed his finger in the trigger area, forgot to empty the gun and the gun was kept wrongly. (something like that if my memory serves me right).