[NEW UPDATE] MCMC Will Investigate The Two Facebook Gun Shops
The sale of gun in Malaysia was once an illegal underground operation. Now, people are not only renting guns, but apparently selling it via Facebook too.
By Mei Mei Chu — 15 Aug 2013, 05:17 PM — Updated over 10 years ago
MCMC says they will investigate the two Facebook gun shops
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will investigate a report which claimed two Facebook accounts were offering firearms for sale.
Communication and Multimedia Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Kamaruddin Siaraf said the ministry viewed seriously the report.
"MCMC will investigate the matter under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. If there is any breach of the law, MCMC will take follow-up action, including forwarding the investigation papers to the public prosecutor's office," he told reporters.
nst.com.my
Two Facebook pages found openly selling guns to Malaysians
One of the accounts claimed to offer a range of pistols, revolvers and assault rifles for between RM500 and RM15,000.
bernama.com.my
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.
dailyexpress.com.myThe other 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.
This Facebook account which was opened in February received '688 likes' and showed 141 browsers having an ongoing discussion on the weapons.
bernama.com.my
A Facebook page, 'Malaysia Gun Shop' was found selling guns to Malaysians
The anonymous man had over the past week offered a range of guns and ammunition costing between RM4,000 and RM15,000. Also available were cheaper pistols for RM4,000.
malaysiandigest.comAn AK-47 rifle was being hawked for RM12,000 while a Smith & Wesson model (500), a single-action large calibre revolver, including two boxes of ammunition were available for RM15,000.
themalaymailonline.com
A check on the page by The Malay Mail on Facebook before it was taken down saw the gun salesman posting various pictures of weapons for sale. The page was only created a week ago.
yahoo.comThe page owner, "Irwan" says he will not sell the guns to criminals
The page, which was set up by a person bearing the account name "Irwan", promises those interested that all the guns on sale are genuine and that all transactions are confidential, attracting over 100 users in just 3 days.
"Irwan", who claimed to be knowledgeable on firearms, provides picture and details on each firearm on sale including its classification, age, size and price of the weapons to gain trust from the buyers.
He defended himself by saying he would carefully choose his buyers and would not sell them to criminals.
yahoo.comHe said he would gather the buyer's details including their IC number, HP number and their motive to buy the firearm before deciding whether to go ahead with the transaction.
Some users showed interest
A number of Facebook users have shown interest on the merchandise and left messages to ask for more information, it added.
Showing pictures of the administrator posted in Malay language mixed with English, the report said Facebook users are free to leave comment on the page or drop a private message to the administrator for details.
Other users doubt if the guns are real
Many who came across the page condemned the gun salesman, telling him that what he was doing was illegal, with some even threatening to report him to the authorities.
malaysiandigest.comSome netizens questioned the authenticity of the firearms and "Irwan's" identity, "Irwan" challenged them to buy and test the weapons for themselves.
The salesman also tried to prove that he really had the guns by posting a picture of a piece of paper, dated August 12, 2013, with the name of a person who had condemned him and placing a gun beside it.
themalaymailonline.com
City CID chief says they are working with the cyber crime department to track the page owner
City CID chief Datuk Ku Chin Wah said police have started an investigation after being alerted to the page by Facebook users. “We initiated an investigation to track the person who created the page as soon as were alerted to it.”
malaysiandigest.comKu said whether the Facebook page owner actually had the weapons, or was simply posting pictures, is still under investigation. “We are working with the cyber crime department and other authorities to track him down,” he said.
themalaymailonline.com
Is it legal to sell guns on Facebook?
Taking out a facebook ad or promoted post on the other hand is not allowed per facebook policy.
facebook.com
Facebook can dictate whatever they want in regard to what is or is not allowed on "their" website. Listing a firearm for sale in a group or on your profile is stupid but allowed.
facebook.com
Have something to say about this? Facebook or Tweet us!
Get all latest news here on SAYS (@SAYSdotMY). Tweet us and and let us know what's happening around you! We'll feature it on SAYS.
twitter.com
SAYS is Malaysia's social news network. Find today's must-share stories, news and videos everyday, produce and brought to you by Malaysian social media users!
facebook.com