Police have seized airsoft guns worth over RM100,000 and arrested 41 men who were allegedly planning to hold “war games” in Padang Hangus, Gebeng, near Kuantan, Pahang, on Sunday.
Kuantan police chief Ashari Abu Samah said all the suspects were between 21 and 66 years old and were from various backgrounds, including retired military personnel, civil servants and professionals such as engineers and physiotherapists.
“Police seized 65 rifles, 32 air pistols, 130 bullet magazines, 28 bulletproof vests and 40 sets of helmets, goggles and camouflage masks,” Bernama reported him as saying at the Kuantan police headquarters.
Ashari said from intelligence gathered and public information, the police found that the group was planning to hold its “war games” on undeveloped Royal Malaysian Navy reserve land.
“They had a WhatsApp group to plan the activity. These weapons are believed to have been purchased online at prices of between RM4,000 and RM6,000 per unit,” he said.
Ashari warned that such activities could cause public anxiety and could potentially be misused for criminal purposes, including militant activities.
“All seized imitation firearms will be sent to the district weapons branch to determine whether they can be modified to use real ammunition,” he said.
He said the suspects were remanded for four days from yesterday until Thursday for investigation under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960.
They face up to seven years in prison, a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or both if charged and convicted.
