Banned But Available Online

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Safety concern: People can still purchase BB guns online as shown by a model posing as a customer. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
BB guns, which can be deadly, openly sold on ecommerce sites
PETALING JAYA: Ball-bearing airsoft guns (BB guns) that fire projectiles propelled by gas are being openly sold on ecommerce sites, raising concerns that they may pose a danger if they end up in the wrong hands.
BB guns, which are banned in Malaysia under Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960, come in the form of handguns and rifles that are identical to real firearms, and can fire ball bearings propelled by high-pressure gas.
Their high velocity makes the projectiles powerful enough to embed themselves in tree trunks, let alone human or animal flesh.
Checks by The Star found that with the right keywords or “code” entry on the search engine of an ecommerce site, BB guns and accessories are easily available for prices from only tens of ringgit to a few thousand ringgit.
Several days ago, a stray dog suffered multiple wounds from shots believed to have been fired from a BB gun at an oil palm estate in Kampung Bukit Changgang, Banting, Selangor.
Sani Ng Abdullah, who is from Kuala Lumpur, said he received a call from a resident of the estate on Wednesday, seeking his help to rescue a stray dog that had been lying motionless next to some undergrowth for over two days.
He said the dog had tried to get to its feet but ended up falling into a ravine.
Fortunately, Sani said the resident managed to carry the canine out from the ravine.
“I rushed to the site and found the dog paralysed and left there to die.
“I initially thought it had suffered a snakebite but after taking it to a veterinarian in Subang Jaya, we learnt that the dog had suffered over 20 gunshot wounds.
“Several X-ray images showed multiple ball bearings embedded all over its body, including its spine. Luckily, none of the vital organs were hit,” the 62-year-old building contractor said in an interview.
Sani, who is with an animal rescue non-governmental organisation called the KC Valley Animal Care Shelter, said the dog is in stable condition at the animal clinic but would need to undergo multiple surgeries to remove the projectiles from its body.
Furious and disgusted by the cruel act which he believed was inflicted with a gas-propelled BB gun, the animal rescuer called on the authorities to crack down on those who own or sell such weapons.
Sani said the authorities should act promptly as the weapons also pose a danger to humans, not just animals.
“It is not a toy but a dangerous weapon. Imagine if a child gets hit by the ball bearings.
“A shot on one’s vital organs can kill or cause serious injury. The weapon is so easily available on ecommerce sites and social media platforms.
“We urge the police and other agencies to act quickly before it escalates into a more serious situation,” he added.
Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation Petaling Jaya district chairman Eric Chew agreed that BB guns are a grave public safety concern.
“We urge the police to act fast following this recent shooting of a dog in Banting with such a weapon.
“These steel ball bearings can easily penetrate the soft tissue of a body and even fracture bones, depending on the distance it is fired from.
“This incident might also give rise to would-be copycats if the authorities do not act fast,” he said.
Chew added that BB guns could also be abused to commit crimes, violence, intimidation or threats.
Selangor deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk S. Sasikala Devi said police are looking for those responsible for injuring the dog.
“We have ordered a thorough probe to be carried out. An investigation needs to be conducted to determine the type of arms or instrument that was used to inflict the injuries on the dog,” she said when contacted.
DCP Sasikala said the case would be investigated for cruelty against animals under Section 29 of the Animal Welfare Act and killing or maiming animals under Section 428 of the Penal Code.
Asked about the sale and possession of BB guns, she said it is illegal to sell, buy or own such weapons. - Star

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