Rules on firearms use drawn up for enforcement officers

PUTRAJAYA: Rules on the lawful use of firearms have been drawn up so that enforcement officers don’t find themselves on the wrong side of the law, says Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali.

The existing standard operating procedure on firearms, he said, did not spell out when and how firearms can be used and only offered information on its safekeeping.

“The guidelines include issuing a warning first before discharging the weapon,” he said, after attending the chambers’ staff gathering and Hari Raya celebration.

More importantly, he said, the guidelines make clear the use of firearms is for self-defence.

Mohamed Apandi said recom- mendations from various agencies, including the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, were obtained and considered.

While it is not compulsory for agencies to ensure their officers followed the guidelines, he said it would be beneficial for them to do so.

“Even though an officer is licensed, he can’t simply discharge his weapon. It must be done according to the law,” he said.

Mohamed Apandi said the guidelines were put in place for the benefit of the public as well as enforcement personnel.

“I’m also thinking about personnel who have died in the line of duty because they hesitated to use their weapon,” he said.

Earlier during his speech, Mohamed Apandi said he had faced many challenges since becoming AG almost two years ago.

“Despite all these challenges, I draw strength and determination to uphold justice with support from all of the staff here at the chambers,” he said.