15-Year-Old Boy Arrested After Photo Of Him Holding A Toy Gun Goes Viral
The incident took place in Kota Kinabalu.
By Sadho Ram — 04 Mar 2024, 05:40 PM
Police in Kota Kinabalu have arrested a teenage boy after a photo showing him holding a rifle from the window of a condominium unit went viral
The 15-year-old was arrested by a district police team at his home in Jalan Kayu Madang at 5.36pm yesterday, 3 March, according to the New Straits Times.
According to Kota Kinabalu district police chief ACP Mohd Zaidi Abdullah, the arrest was made after a photo showing the boy holding a rifle, resembling a sniper, went viral on social media.
However, during a search of the house, police found that the rifle was a replica of an AK47. The search also yielded a pistol, also a replica, reported Berita Harian.
The case is being investigated under Section 36 of the 1960 Arms Act
Under the law, it is an offence to possess, sell, buy or distribute imitation weapons.
Those convicted could face imprisonment for a year, a fine of RM5,000, or both.
Meanwhile, Mohd Zaidi said that during questioning, the boy admitted to his actions.
"At about 9am on 2 March, [the suspect] used the fake firearm to 'shoot' at several target objects on the staircase of the condominium," he said, adding, "The suspect also confessed to purchasing two imitation firearms at a shop in the city for RM158 and RM54."
Acting on the information, a police team conducted a raid at the shop selling the replica guns in a shopping complex in Kota Kinabalu
At the shop, the police seized replica firearms and arrested a 15-year-old boy and a 19-year-old woman, who were working there.
"The duo and the seized items were brought to the district police headquarters for further investigation," he said.
