Post by : Shakul
Keningau authorities have detained a farmer after homemade guns and air rifles were discovered during a raid in Kampung Kuala Punteh, Sook. This operation, part of Ops Laras, was conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department. According to officials, the suspect was found with multiple weapons lacking any valid licence or legal documentation.
Acting Keningau District Police Chief DSP Alizam Dalaman reported that the raid occurred around 10 pm on Monday. Officers responded to intelligence gathered from ongoing enforcement efforts targeting illegal weapons. The 44-year-old local resident was taken into custody without resistance.
During the operation, police uncovered two homemade firearms, referred to locally as bakakuk, alongside two air rifles. Additionally, officers located 20 pellet rounds stored in a bedroom within the home. All seized items will undergo forensic analysis as part of the investigative process.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect lacked the necessary permits to possess the firearms and air rifles. Law enforcement emphasized that such possession is a serious violation of Malaysian law. Investigators are also looking into whether these weapons had been employed in any unlawful activities before the apprehension.
The suspect reportedly claimed that the bakakuk firearms were passed down from his father and that he obtained the air rifles from a contact in a neighboring nation. Authorities are currently validating these claims and tracing the origins of the firearms as part of their investigation.
Despite stating that the firearms were intended for hunting, police reiterated that owning guns without appropriate licenses is a criminal offense, regardless of their intended use. Authorities issued a public warning against possessing unlicensed weapons at home due to their potential threats to community safety.
After the arrest, the suspect was taken to court and has been remanded until May 9 to facilitate further inquiries. Charges are being pursued under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960, which addresses the possession of firearms without lawful authority. If found guilty, the suspect could face significant penalties under Malaysian firearm jurisdiction.
Police noted that Ops Laras represents a broader initiative to curb illegal weapon ownership and enhance public safety in Sabah. Continuous raids and intelligence operations aim to identify individuals involved in the illicit ownership, smuggling, or trafficking of firearms. The police encourage citizens to report any suspicious weapon-related activities to the authorities.
This recent arrest underscores ongoing concerns regarding homemade firearms and unlicensed weapons proliferation in Malaysia's rural areas. Security experts stress that robust monitoring and community engagement are critical for preventing illegal firearms usage in criminal acts. The police assured the public that investigations are ongoing, with potential for further actions if additional evidence surfaces.
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