Commentary: Does Malaysia have a growing gun problem?

LOOKING FORWARD

In Malaysia, the illegal manufacture, discharge and trafficking of firearms are capital offences.

With strict legislation already in place, other measures need to be taken to mitigate the issue of gun-related crime, in particular smuggling.

Strict border control is key in this regard. It is commendable that Kelantan authorities have taken steps to increase border patrolling and security in smuggling hotspots.

In the long term, authorities should consider more permanent control measures such as perimeter fencing to reduce the porosity of the borders. They can also incorporate the use of technology such as specialised scanners and drone surveillance to enhance monitoring. Corruption among border officers is another urgent matter that must be addressed.

Organised crime and gun violence form a vicious cycle. Thus, ending gun violence would necessitate stamping out organised crime. Intelligence-led operations and community-based engagement are crucial in this respect.

More importantly, the government must address the systemic and foundational root causes that drive crime namely poverty, unemployment and lack of education.

Developments in technology such as 3D-printing must also be monitored closely. 3D-printing is increasingly used to privately manufacture firearms. It has become a security concern in Europe and North America.

3D-printed firearms have been used by the anti-junta forces in the conflict in Myanmar. More recently, a 3D-printed handgun was discovered in a raid on a house in Lampung, Indonesia. It may be a matter of time before it becomes a worrying trend across Southeast Asia.

Thus, law enforcement must be equipped with the skills to manage issues such as 3D-printing, the dark web and cryptocurrencies, which are being employed by criminals in the firearm black market. It is imperative that the authorities stay ahead of the curve and always be one step ahead of the criminals.

Rueben Dass is Associate Research Fellow with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research, at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).