FIREARMS continue to be smuggled over the border despite Malaysia's stringent gun laws, police sources said.
A source told The Vibes gun traffickers remain active as there are many ways for them to to pass through border checks.
The most sought-after guns, according to the source, are the Glock and .38 revolver.
"Because of their size, they are easy to smuggle. They can be smuggled in parts and assembled later," said the source, who is a senior police officer.
"There are many ways and tactics. Rat trails or back lanes are ways in for firearms. We also do not rule out corruption as another reason.
"We have also heard that some gangs use lorry carrying pigs to smuggle the weapons into the country."
In 2023, Kelantan police reported that gun smuggling was a serious problem in the state as drug pushers were bringing in firearms from Thailand.
Kelantan police chief Muhamad Zaki Harun said cops had seized 18 smuggled firearms in 2022.
Just recently, police arrested an Israeli citizen at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur in possession of six automatic pistols. A local couple in Kuala Selangor was accused of supplying the firearms.
The Israeli man said he was in Malaysia to kill another Israeli over a family dispute. He was charged in court last week.
A few days ago, a woman survived an assassination attempt after her husband fired two shots at her, at the arrival hall of KLIA.
The gunman missed his wife but seriously injured her bodyguard.
The 38-year-old gunman fled the scene but was nabbed yesterday in Kota Baru, Kelantan.
Sources said the guns smuggled into Malaysia were not originally from Thailand but from abroad and mostly used by those involved in drug smuggling.
"If you are involved in an international drug smuggling syndicate, you have to have a gun, meaning that if you don't carry a firearm, you are not part of the gang. Guns and drugs go together.
"They have huge networks all over the world. Where did the guns come from? It can come from anywhere.
"We were told by our counterparts in Thailand that the suspects caught there confessed that the weapons would be sent to buyers in Malaysia, especially Kelantan," the source said.
Each gun can cost from RM1,000 to RM5,000 depending on the condition.
“The Revolver is among the cheapest guns because it is an old model but still has utility. Usually, a revolver is not used by gangs but individuals with personal motives.
"Gangs use automatic or semi-automatic guns in case there is a shootout with police or rival gangs. A used Glock can be purchased for RM1,500," he said.
Impossible to stop
Criminologist Kamal Affendy Hashim said it was almost impossible for a country to stop illegal firearms trade as there are many ways to smuggle the weapons.
He said authorities must first identify the "middle man" or "fences" to curb this problem.
"To stop the activity totally, you need to build a high concrete wall that can cover the whole nation, which is impossible. No country can do that," Kamal said.
"Syndicates will use whatever route they can think off. Rat trails are one of them. Middle men can still ferry the guns safely before meeting the buyer because they already know the security movements and the officers at the border.
"You also need special equipment such as metal detectors or scanners that can scan through every vehicle but that will cost you a lot of money." – April 16, 2024.
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