Fake guns, real danger: Malaysia battles gel-blasters
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In 2023, 148 crimes involving fake guns were reported in Malaysia, with the majority of incidents involving robbery.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: PIXABAY
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Malaysian police are taking aim at imitation guns, known as gel-blasters, which some criminals have been using to commit crimes.
These guns, marketed as toys, closely resemble real firearms and can be easily purchased online from e-commerce platforms and even social media sites such as TikTok starting from RM150 (S$45).
In 2023, 148 crimes were reported in which such imitation firearms were used, with the majority of incidents involving robberies, reported Malaysian daily The New Straits Times (NST) on Dec 23. The problem has continued into 2024, with 36 cases recorded between January and November.
Malaysian police have been actively addressing this issue, with Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain noting that the authorities are focusing on tackling the sale of these items, NST added.
On Dec 21, police busted a syndicate dealing in imitation firearms, confiscating more than 600 fake weapons.
“While we have noted a drop in cases (this year), the sale of such toys or imitation weapons has caught our attention,” Tan Sri Razarudin told NST. “These imitation guns are sold as children’s toys, but many look identical to real firearms.”
He added that it is illegal to sell, possess and distribute imitation firearms that resemble real weapons.
According to Malaysian law, possessing, selling, buying, and distributing these items is an offence under Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960, punishable with an up to one-year jail term or fine of up to RM5,000, or both.
Gel-blaster guns are available in a wide range of models, from basic, toy-grade versions to more advanced, hobby-grade replicas that can cost up to RM2,000. The high-end models often feature semi-automatic firing capabilities and metal components, making them nearly identical to real firearms.
Despite being sold as toys, these gel-blasters can cause injury due to the hardened gel pellets they fire at speeds of up to 82m per second.
E-commerce platforms and social media, especially live sessions on TikTok, have become key channels for selling these imitation firearms, NST said.
The growing interest in these products has been a cause for concern, as the anonymity of online platforms complicates enforcement efforts.
In addition, some brick-and-mortar stores in the Klang Valley also sell gel-blaster guns, typically hidden among other toys.
Sellers often caution buyers not to carry these fake guns in public to avoid causing panic or trouble with the law.
However, NST reported that checks have revealed that sellers are either unaware or not bothered that selling imitation weapons is illegal, as long as they make a profit.
Mr Razarudin urged e-commerce platforms and the authorities like the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to take stronger action to prevent the sale of such products.
“Further enforcement is needed and interagency cooperation will certainly help us in our actions against the sale of such items,” he said.
