SHAH ALAM: Buying airsoft pistols, rifles or air-propelled weapons could land you in hot water, says Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan.
"Under Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960 it is an offence to possess, sell, buy and distribute imitation weapons,” he said.
“Those convicted could face imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or subject to a fine not exceeding five thousand ringgit, or both," added Comm Hussein in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 31).
Comm Hussein added that Section 15 of the same Act made it an offence to import any arms, ammunition or arms parts into Malaysia whether by sea, land or air including online, unless one holds an import license and said that this includes imitations.
"Those convicted may be punished under section 23(1) of the same act with imprisonment for a period not exceeding seven years, or fined not exceeding ten thousand ringgit, or both," he said.
Comm Hussein then added that police are aware of recent complaints from the public over the sale and distribution of such weapons as well as imitation guns, and said that the unauthorised use of these fake weapons could lead to serious injury or even death to any person.
He said that anyone who injures someone can be punished for a crime under Section 324 of the Penal Code.
"They could face imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine or whipping," he said, adding that they could also be liable to punishment of up to 20 years, and also be fined or caned for causing serious injuries under Section 326 of the Penal Code.
He said those who were found guilty of injuring a person and causing death could also face the death penalty under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
"Causing injury to animals is also an offence under Section 39 of the Arms Act 1960. Those convicted of the offense may be punished with imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or be fined not exceeding two thousand ringgit or both," he said.
Comm Hussein added that buying, selling, possessing, and distributing any dangerous weapon other than a firearm is an offense under Section 6 of the Corrosives and Explosive Substances and Dangerous Weapons Act 1958.
"Those guilty could be imprisoned for a period not exceeding two years and can be whipped," he said.
Comm Hussein said in 2022, legal action was taken in relation to an incident of shooting using an imitation weapon in Shah Alam where the suspect was charged under Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960 and fined RM1,000.
"We take this issue seriously and will not compromise with any act of possessing, buying, selling and distributing fake firearms.We advise the public not to engage in the above activities or face stern legal action," he said.
Those with information on such cases should contact the police hotline at 03-2052 9999 or go to the nearest police station.
