Over 40 firearms that were not claimed by their owners have been disposed of by the police in Kudat district, Sabah on September 30. The firearms, which included shotguns and rifles, had been stored at the Kudat police’s weapon storage for a period of time. Despite efforts to locate their owners, no one came forward to claim them.
Kudat OCPD Supt Mohd Haris Ibrahim stated that a total of 42 firearms of various types were disposed of. He believes that the lack of interest in claiming the firearms led to their disposal. In July, notices were issued to the firearm owners during a dialogue with the authorities, informing them of their responsibility to claim the firearms.
According to Section 27(2) of the Firearms Act 1950, the authorities have the right to dispose of firearms that remain unclaimed after six months. Supt Mohd Haris explained that the disposal exercise carried out by the firearm licensing and logistics division of the Kudat police was a proactive measure to prevent the weapons’ storage from becoming overcrowded.
In July, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun had announced a crackdown on poaching activities in the northernmost island of Banggi, which is located off Kudat. It was observed that illegal hunting of wildlife such as wild boar, mouse-deer, and pangolins was on the rise. Comm Jauteh mentioned that hunters were entering the island without proper reporting or seeking approval from the Wildlife Department or the police.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
