Malaysia will ‘shoot’ itself in the foot with big time arms production, experts warn

A veterans group has called for a domestic firearms industry, saying Malaysia spends a lot on purchase of weapons from other countries. (Lima pic)

PETALING JAYA: It may be politically risky and commercially not viable for Malaysia to sink millions of ringgit in investments to manufacture weapons as the domestic market is too small to sustain a capital intensive firearms industry, say experts.

They were responding to the National Patriot Association’s proposal to establish local production of arms to reduce foreign spending on weapons’ purchase.

They say it is not the right thing to do now, as the country is still struggling to come out of the economic doldrums.

Defence expert Aruna Gopinath says Malaysia does not have the expertise and besides it will be met with restraint from certain parties.

She said the initiative may spark concern among other countries in the region too.

“Our Asean members themselves will be worried if we produce weapons on a large scale.

“It can have far reaching repercussions as they will be worried of our motives, although our intentions are noble,” said the former lecturer who taught at the Sungai Besi-based National Defence University of Malaysia.

Patriot’s Mohamed Arshad Raji had previously told FMT that Malaysia spent a lot on the purchase of weapons from other countries and the government should start thinking of having them made at home.

“We don’t need to make planes, fighter jets and tanks, but we can start small by first producing standard-issue weapons,” he had said.

Aruna said Malaysia can start small but expenditure and latest technological know-how will be important.

But she said the country does not have enough skilled human capital to support a massive firearms industry.

An arms supplier told FMT that a local company was already producing pistols and ammunition.

“We believe Malaysians have the capacity and technology to produce more,” said a spokesman from MegaArms Sdn Bhd, which supplies pistols and ammunition for training, hunting and competition needs.

But he said the budget allocation for such a purpose was negligible compared with other countries.

He agreed that the venture will be politically dangerous as other large arms trading countries are also Malaysia’s trading partners in other industries.

“Malaysia might need to export firearms to sustain the industry, which may cause political concerns,” he said.

Former inspector-general of police Musa Hasan, meanwhile, said domestic consumption will be subdued as a result of strict gun ownership laws.

“Our laws for firearms are strict. Not everybody can carry guns. You need to apply for a license.

“Even if locally made firearms are exported, it may not be viable because other countries may have better technology, he said, adding that the government has its reasons for not allowing large-scale production of guns.

Musa said companies manufacturing firearms would only be producing small-scale arms and ammunition. - FMT