KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (AFP) - An expert on Monday told an inquiry into alleged brutality by Malaysian riot police that tear gas should never be fired directly at protesters as this could cause serious injury or death. Malaysia's human rights commission is holding an inquiry into bloody clashes at a rally last November 5 between police and supporters of jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim.

One protester last month told the three-member inquiry panel he suffered a fractured skull from a tear gas canister. Another said his eyesight was permanently damaged when gas was sprayed at him at close range.

Two types of spent CS gas canisters used last November were displayed at the inquiry -- a type designed to be thrown and another fired from a launcher.

Cheong Meow Kioon, an officer with the government's chemistry department, said instructions on the canisters warn against firing the gas directly at people since serious injury or death may result.

It should also not be used in confined areas, he said, since the US-made gas is highly irritating to eyes, nose, skin and the respiratory system.

"Firing directly is against the instructions. It will cause injury," he said.

Mohamad Zaini Zainal, a weapons research officer with the Malaysian armed forces, testified that the aim of firing tear gas was not to injure a person.

"The tear gas cannot be fired directly at a person. It has to be fired at an angle (into the air)," he said.

Anuar Zainal Abidin, a former senior judge, who heads the panel, asked Mohamad whether firing the gas directly at a person's head was against instructions concerning its usage.

"Ideally, the target area should not be less than 150 yards (137 metres) from where the tear gas is fired," Mohamad said.

Saiful Khairy Kamarulzaman, a bodyguard for Anwar's wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, last month testified that he suffered a fractured skull after a tear gas canister hit his head.

Wan Azizah leads the opposition National Justice Party.

Another witness, Saeden Wateh, had said police sprayed tear gas at him during the rally and damaged his eyesight.

"One of them (police) came up to me and kicked my private parts," Wateh said. "Suddenly someone sprayed tear gas at me. My eyes were hurting."

Wateh said he was then placed inside a police truck into which more gas was sprayed. He said he was hospitalised for nine days and now has to wear reading glasses.

Police also used batons and water cannon to break up the protest. Some 26 of the 125 people arrested reported injuries.

The inquiry chief Anuar told reporters he intended to call the riot police officer who was in charge at the time to give evidence. He said officers who had been named by witnesses would also be asked to testify.

Anuar said the commission hoped to complete the inquiry by March and would publish its findings.

Anwar is serving a jail term totalling 15 years after being convicted of abuse of power and sodomy.

He says he was the victim of a conspiracy masterminded by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, an allegation denied by the government.

The inquiry continues Wednesday.