In war on crime, cops eye toy gun hobbyists

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 — The all-out fight against crime has extended to the use of paintball guns in the increasingly popular recreational sport. Owners of paintball guns, or markers, have been given a month to surrender their guns or face action.  It was not the purpose of the police to discourage people from playing the sport but there was a need to control it, Bukit Aman Logistics Department director Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah said. He said police took into consideration the public’s interest as the markers, if modified with the right equipment, could be used for criminal activities.
“It needs to be controlled to alleviate the public’s fear that the equipment could be used to hurt others.” Owners of markers without a licence can be punished under Section 36 of the Firearms Act 1960 for possessing or importing imitation firearms. The Act carries a prison term of a year or a fine of not more than RM5,000. Zulkifli said the same applied to those who own Airsoft guns, BB guns and replicas, adding only registered companies with a paid-up capital of RM400,000, or sports clubs recognised by the Malaysian sports commissioner could apply for licences for the guns.
“Applications by individuals will not be considered.”  Zulkifli said during this one-month grace period, action would not be taken against those who surrender the guns. “Trust us, we will honour our word. But if there is evidence that these guns were used for criminal activities, action will be taken.” He said once the period was over, police would track down those who did not abide.  Police will also be conducting checks at sports clubs and on the Internet if they receive any information that such guns are being sold.  Since 2012, police have investigated 47 cases involving the use of imitation guns, including Airsoft and BB guns.  Of the 47 cases, 29 people have been charged under Section 36 of the Firearms Act 1960 while two are serving a two-month prison term.  Zulkifli said even toy gun sellers, who import the guns from other countries, will have to obtain an import licence from the respective state police chiefs.  Owners of such weapons are required to surrender them at the nearest police station or district headquarters before Dec 25. Bukit Aman licence team staff officer Supt Noorsiah Mohd Saaduddin will be in charge of collecting the surrendered weapons.
-themalaymail