Imitation Guns Sold Online for RM150 Raise Alarm Over Safety and Legal Risks"

Criminals can buy imitation guns resembling real firearms online for as little as RM150, raising growing concerns about their use in crimes. Last year, nearly 150 crimes involved gel-blaster guns, which have been openly sold on e-commerce platforms and TikTok live sessions.

These imitation firearms come in toy-grade models, starting at RM150, and more realistic hobby-grade versions, costing up to RM2,000. While some are designed for collectors, others can fire hardened gel bullets at speeds of up to 82m/s, posing injury risks.

Despite the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971, which prohibits selling such items, enforcement challenges and the anonymity of online platforms have allowed this trade to thrive. Sellers warn customers not to carry the blasters in public to avoid legal issues and panic. Authorities continue to struggle with controlling the sale of these dangerous items.