KUALA LUMPUR: A man from Johor has been arrested for allegedly crafting homemade shotguns and possessing protected wildlife.
The suspect, believed to be in his 30s, was arrested during a joint operation by wildlife authorities and police.
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said the self-made weapons were seized in a Khazanah Integrated Operation in the southern zone.
"Operations to combat wildlife crime were carried out at a residence in Felda Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi, Johor, at 12pm on Friday.
"A local man, believed to be in his 30s, has been arrested for questioning."
He said they also seized five caged porcupines.
"A suspected wildlife trophy, eight parts of a homemade rifle and seven rounds of ammunition were also found on the premises."
Kadir said the suspect used basic materials like wood and pipes to construct the firearms, which were intended for illegal hunting.
The suspect was unable to provide a valid permit for the possession of the porcupines.
He will be investigated under the Wildlife Conservation (Amendment) Act 2022 (A1646) for possessing wildlife without a valid licence or permit, and the Firearms Act 1960 for possessing suspected homemade firearms.