Audit shows 304 'unlicensed' firearms in Customs Dept storage

The Customs Department was unable to distribute 304 units of firearms to its officers as the guns were purchased before obtaining the necessary licence from the police, a federal audit has shown.

The audit, conducted from December 2016 to April 2017, found that the Customs Department had spent RM2.8 million to purchase 659 units of firearms between 2014 and 2015.

However, nearly half of the units were found in storage, instead of being distributed to on-duty enforcement officers.

A physical inspection at 17 Customs Department Marine Operations and Head Office Support Services firearms storage areas around the country revealed that 234 units of firearms, valued at RM917,600, had been kept in vaults since 2015.

“The remaining 70 units of firearms, valued at RM624,050, were kept at a store belonging to the supplier’s company due to space constraints,” states the Auditor-General’s Report 2017, which was released today.

From the total number of firearms, it was stated that the Customs Department had spent RM570,000 on 200 Glock 19 handguns, and RM480,000 on 150 CZ-PO7 handguns, among others.

“In the audit’s view, the Customs Department has taken necessary measures to ensure that its enforcement officers are equipped with firearms through the new procurements made in 2014 and 2015.

“However, the objective of the (procurement) exercise was not met, as the firearms were not distributed or used, as they (Customs) did not obtain the necessary licence,” said the report signed by auditor-general Madinah Mohamad.

A Customs Department response to the audit findings on Dec 20 last year confirmed that the firearms were kept in storage as it did not obtain the necessary licences for its enforcement officers.

It added that an application was subsequently made to the police for approval of the licences.

The audit highlighted that the procurement of firearms without prior approval is an offence under Section 3 of the Arms Act 1960.

It is punishable under Section 8 of the same act, with a prison sentence of not more than seven years, a fine of not more than RM10,000, or both.

“This matter can tarnish the image of the Customs Department in particular and the civil service in general,” the audit report said. - Mkini