KUALA LUMPUR: The police are gathering intelligence on the distribution and sale of imitation weapons
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain warned that possessing these items was an offence.
"The Wildlife Crime Bureau/ Special Investigation and Intelligence (WCB/PSK) unit will work on gathering intelligence on these activities. They have begun efforts in identifying suppliers, sellers and buyers to snuff out the demand for these so-called toys," he told the New Straits Times.
He urged those with information on such activities to channel it to the police.
"Let me once again remind the public that possessing, selling, buying and distributing these items is an offence under Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960."
He added that those found guilty of the offence could face up to a year jail, or a fine of up to RM5,000, or both.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said his ministry would collaborate with relevant agencies to tackle the sale of imitation firearms.
He said their measures would include site blocking and removing online content.
"Offences related to gel blasters fall under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry and the police through the Firearms Act, the Explosives Act and the Penal Code.
"We welcome the close cooperation between the police, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Internet service providers (ISPs) and e-commerce platform operators in this issue."
He said the collaboration would strengthen monitoring and enforcement, and included advocacy efforts that targeted users, sellers, e-commerce platform operators, ISPs and enforcement teams.
He added that the ministry was ready to provide support, demonstrating its commitment to collaborative efforts in enforcing related laws.
Crime watchdog Dave Avran said these items would be less common in homes if their marketing and distribution were restricted.
"The sale of these so-called toys poses serious threats to public safety, law enforcement and social order. If left unchecked, these items — which bear striking similarities to the real thing — will become a bigger problem."
Avran, who founded Malaysians Against Rape, Assault and Snatch Theft, said Malaysia may reduce the risks connected with these devices by implementing stronger laws, raising public awareness, providing law enforcement with training, and engaging the community.
"Everyone will live in a safer environment if the sale and usage of realistic toy firearms are regulated."
On Saturday, police dismantled an imitation firearms syndicate here, seizing more than 600 imitation firearms.
Razarudin had said the problem, however, was far from over as several e-commerce platforms allow the sale of these illegal items