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Possession of ballpoint pen gun illegal, but common, says IGP
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7, 2014:
The ballpoint pen gun which caused the death of a hired van driver in Bintulu, Sarawak, has been in the country’s market for about 20 years now.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the miniature firearm was not new in the country’s market and the police had constantly warned the public of its dangers.
“It is an offence under the Firearms Act (Increased Penalties) 1971 to be in possession of a ballpoint pen gun.”
Khalid was speaking at Bukit Aman’s police headquarters where he had witnessed the handover duties ceremony of Community Safety and Crime Prevention Department director Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani and Internal Security and Public Order director Datuk Muhammad Fuad Abu Zarim today.
On Sunday, the unidentified man, believed to be in his 40s, was reported to have collapsed in front of a market in the town, and found clutched in his hand was a slim ballpoint pen gun initially thought to be an electronic cigarette.
Khalid said although illegal, possession of ballpoint pen guns was common and they were believed to have been smuggled in.
“Ballpoint pen guns can be traced through X-ray which are available at all legal entry and exit points in the country.
“The fact that many have been found in the country lead us to believe that they must have been brought in through the illegal entry points into the country.”
He added that Sarawak, with its vast land and sea borders could have been used to smuggle the ballpoint pen guns in.
Khalid, however did not deny the possibility of the ballpoint pen gun involved in the van driver’s death was homemade.
“If normal firearms can be made from home, why not this ballpoint pen gun?
“All it takes is some modification.”
He said for now, the man’s death had been classified as sudden death.
