KOTA BARU – Police arrested a couple and seized an AK-47 rifle and 142 bullets in a raid on a house in Kg Bahagia, Kuala Krai, on Sunday.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Shafien Mamat said the 3.10am operation was conducted following a public tip-off.
Checks showed that the couple, both aged 50, do not have a licence or permit to possess the firearm, he told a press conference at the state police headquarters here today.
“(The couple) are locals. The husband admitted to being in possession of the firearm for the last five years, and said it was given by a man from Tanah Merah.
“He claimed that it was used to shoot wild animals like elephants that often encroach on his rubber smallholding.
“He also admitted to having shot two elephants using the rifle.”
The last time the weapon was used was two years ago, he added.
Shafien said the case is being investigated under Section 8 of the Firearms (Heavier Penalties) Act 1971 and Section 8(a) of the Firearms Act 1960, which carries a jail term, a fine and whipping upon conviction.
“Urine tests taken by the couple showed both to be negative for drugs.
“Police are also tracing the man who gave them the rifle and supplied the bullets at a price of RM15 each.”
He said the couple have been remanded till Saturday to facilitate investigations.
The case will also be referred to the state Wildlife Department, he said. – Bernama, December 15, 2020
