Keningau:Police seized 42 air rifles and 456 small boxes of pellets from an oil palm smallholder during an operation in Sook, Keningau. The suspect was arrested in a hut after failing to produce a valid licence or permit for the firearms.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Keningau District Police Chief Supt Erwansyah Abdul Basir stated that the 50-year-old local suspect was apprehended during "Op Laras." Initial investigations suggest the suspect was involved in selling air rifles within the Keningau district, with prices ranging from RM350 to RM500 per rifle.

The pellets were reportedly sold at prices between RM30 and RM50 for each pack containing 10 small boxes. Additionally, police confiscated five camouflage-patterned gun bags.

Police are investigating the source of the supply and the possibility of an extended weapons supply network overseas. The case is being investigated under Section 8(a) of the Firearms Act 1960 regarding the possession of unlicensed weapons and may also involve Section 7 of the Firearms (Penalties) Act 1971 concerning the offence of trafficking firearms.

Erwansyah emphasized the seriousness with which police view any activity involving unlicensed weapons, stressing the potential threat to public security. He urged the public to provide any information to assist the police in their investigation.