KUCHING: Police have arrested two men for carrying a shotgun and a machete in a residential area at Tabuan Dayak – the duo’s law-breaking act had gone viral on social media on Sunday.
District police chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah told the media that both suspects, aged 19 and 25, were arrested in Kota Samarahan on Monday (July 5).
After the video went viral, a police task force was formed and the suspects were nabbed at separate locations around 5pm.
“We also seized a Winchester 12 bore shotgun without ammo, a firearms licence, a machete and the clothes used by the suspects. Both men also have past records relating to narcotic offences.”
When asked about the suspects’ motive, initial investigations found that it was due to personal problems, debt between their former employer and loaning a car.
ACP Ahsmon stated that police were still investigating whether the person recording the incident was the suspect’s former employer or a different person.
He added that they would investigate how the suspect, who does not a gun licence, came into possession of the shotgun, which belonged to another individual who has a valid firearms licence.
“We will find out the relationship between the suspect and the shotgun owner. In addition, we will propose to the authorities who issued the licence, to review this matter and revoke the licence.
“Imagine if a shot was fired that day, it would have serious consequences.
“This is also a reminder to all licensed firearms holders to ensure that their weapons are kept in a safe place so that they do not fall into the wrong hands.”
The case is being investigated under Section 506 of the Penal Code, the Arms Act 1960 and Section 6 of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958.
