KUALA LUMPUR — Newly appointed Penang Police Chief Datuk Azizee Ismail has pledged to crack down on firearm trafficking and the rising use of imitation weapons, calling it a threat to public safety.
Briefed ahead of assuming office on August 18, Azizee said at least 12 recent cases have been linked to firearm smuggling, organised crime, and drug operations. Among the weapons seized were Glock 19s, Smith & Wesson revolvers, and modified semi-automatic pistols — many smuggled via fishing boats and concealed cargo.
“What’s especially alarming is the surge in imitation firearms — we’ve seized eight fake pistols made from resin and metal that closely resemble real weapons in both look and weight.
“These replicas are being used in robberies and extortion. Whether real or fake, the threat to public safety is the same — and we will act accordingly,” he told Scoop.
Azizee said his strategy would be intelligence-led, with tighter enforcement and increased coordination with Marine Police, Customs, and other agencies. This includes heightened maritime patrols and inspections at known smuggling routes.
“My priority is to make Penang safe and unwelcoming to criminal networks.
“We will dismantle trafficking networks by targeting major players and key routes, not just low-level runners,” he said.
He also stressed the need to strengthen community outreach and urged the public to report suspicious activity to help build trust with law enforcement.
Scoop first learned of these developments from enforcement sources who flagged Penang as a growing hub for illicit firearms, particularly through Malaysia’s northern maritime routes.
“Penang is no longer just a transit point,” said the source, adding that weapons are stored, modified, and sometimes have serial numbers erased before being sent elsewhere.
Smugglers often rely on small fishing vessels and hidden compartments that blend into regular maritime traffic, complicating detection efforts.
Under Malaysia’s Arms Act 1960, imitation firearms used in crimes are treated as real weapons, with penalties ranging from long-term imprisonment to the death penalty. Police are empowered to confiscate illegal arms and prosecute offenders to deter gun-related violence. – July 31, 2025