They are not only cheap but easily available: this is the picture portrayed on two Facebook accounts found to be selling firearms openly in Malaysia.
A check by Bernama found that a Facebook account claimed to offer a range of pistols, revolvers and assault rifles for between RM500 and RM15,000.
The list of weapons for sale on the account included AK-47 assault rifles, at RM12,000, Smith & Wesson pistols, at RM500, and revolvers with two boxes of ammunition, at RM15,000.
Another Facebook account declared that it could offer about 10 types of firearms, among them E&C M16A4, Tercel M1911 airsoft gun and S&T Mosin Nagant Gas Rifle (Real Wood) for between RM600 and RM1,250, resembling real weapons.
The Facebook account was opened in February and received '688 likes' and showed 141 browsers having an ongoing discussion on the weapons.
The account owner also boldly provided a mobile phone number and responded to Bernama's text message.
The discovery of these two Facebook accounts raises a host of questions about how easy it is to buy firearms through the Internet, especially in the present scenario of an increasing trend in fatal shootings reported lately.
Just in July there were two shootings. Teacher Mat Zaki Hashim, 35, was critically injured when he was shot in the neck on July 5 near Kampung Kubang Panjang, Pasir Mas, Kelantan.
Then, on July 28, Mywatch chairman R. Sri Sanjeevan was left fighting for his life after being shot by two gunmen on a motorbike in Taman Cempaka, Bahau, Negeri Sembilan, and a day later, AmBank founder Hussain Ahmad Najadi became the third victim when he was shot dead while coming out of a temple with his wife at Lorong Ceylon, near here.
Asked to comment on the Facebook accounts, Kuala Lumpur CID chief Datuk Ku Chin Wah said the police would not hesitate to investigate the matter thoroughly under Section 11 of the Firearms Act.
"Selling firearms without a licence is a serious offence," he told Bernama.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the account holders appeared to be blatant and prepared to risk the law to sell firearms on the Internet.
"As a country with strict laws on the subject, the authorities should take stern action against such quarters so that it would deter other offenders," he said.
Bernama
Mon Aug 19 2013
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.