BETONG: — Police in Betong have detained two local men and seized several homemade firearms and bullets during a special operation known as Op Laras conducted early Friday morning.
According to Betong District Police Chief DSP Rejali ak Angong, the operation was carried out by officers from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Betong District Police Headquarters (IPD Betong) around 1.00am.
During the raid at several locations across the district, police arrested two suspects aged 16 and 51. Investigations revealed that the suspects were in possession of two homemade rifle barrels known locally as bakakok, one homemade air rifle barrel, and 27 sprayer bullets.
“Both suspects failed to produce any valid firearm ownership licence. The items were seized for further investigation,” DSP Rejali said in a statement issued this afternoon.
He added that both suspects have been remanded for four days until October 21 to assist with investigations under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960. If convicted, they face imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both.
Initial urine screening tests conducted on both suspects returned negative results for drug use.
DSP Rejali reminded the public that possessing or manufacturing homemade firearms and ammunition without a valid licence is a serious criminal offence.
“The police urge members of the public, especially those in Betong, to immediately report any information regarding illegal firearm possession or other criminal activities to the nearest police station. Cooperation between the police and the community is vital to maintaining safety and order,” he said.
The case underscores the continued efforts by the Betong police in tackling illegal weapon possession and ensuring the safety of the district’s residents through ongoing Op Laras operations.
