Forestry Dept officers may get gun licences
BAGAN DATUK: The Home Ministry, through the police, may issue firearms licences to state Forestry Department officers in an effort to curb encroachment.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the licences, however, would only be approved on a case-by-case basis for officers of certain ranks.
“A firearms licence will be issued after a formal application is submitted. The department’s enforcement officers are only allowed to use firearms in self-defence,” said Zahid, who is also home minister, after launching a back-to-school programme at SJKC Chong San in Bagan Sungai Burung yesterday.
Zahid was commenting on a recent statement by Forestry Department director Datuk Mohamed Zin Yusop on the establishment of an elite squad to improve enforcement, starting next year.
On a separate matter, Zahid said the ministry would not compromise on cases of policemen involved in criminal activities.
He said the ministry would take stern action against those found to be abusing their positions so that the integrity of the force is not affected.
“The ministry has never. and will never tolerate abuse of power among policemen.
“This is crucial to protect the citizens.
“The safety of the people has always been a priority.
“Both the ministry and the police are committed when it comes to combating crime,” he said.
His comments came in the wake of an incident where four policemen and two civilians were involved in a robbery in Kampung Rapat, Ipoh on Thursday.
It was reported that three policemen and a police inspector, aged between 27 and 43, were arrested at 2am on Thursday for their suspected involvement in a robbery.
The case came to light after a 54-year-old man lodged a police report claiming that the suspects, who had identified themselves as policemen, arrived at the victim’s house to conduct a raid before extorting RM12,300 as a condition for not arresting him.
The men have since been remanded to facilitate investigations under Section 395 of the Penal Code for unarmed gang robbery.