Baling mechanic claims trial to illegal possession of firearms

BALING, May 13 — A mechanic was charged at the Sessions and Magistrate’s Courts here today with five counts of possessing firearms, ammunition and an imitation weapon recently.

Mohd Shahifuldin Mohd Shahiran, 46, pleaded not guilty to all charges read before Sessions Court Judge Rohaida Ishak, who also sat as magistrate.

According to the first and second charges, he was accused of possessing a Colt UTC/TIC .45 calibre pistol and a magazine, as well as a Brazil-made Forjas Taurus S.A PT 24/7 9-millimetre pistol and a magazine without a valid licence or permit.

He was alleged to have committed both offences at a car repair workshop in Kampung Siput Siong here at 12.30 am on May 1 under Section 8 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971, which carries a maximum jail term of 14 years and not less than six strokes of the cane upon conviction.

For the third charge, Mohd Shahifuldin was accused of possessing a black imitation pistol made in Taiwan without lawful reason at the same date, time and place.

The charge was framed under Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960, which carries a maximum jail sentence of one year or a fine of up to RM5,000 or both, upon conviction.

Meanwhile, at the Magistrate’s Court, he faced two additional charges of possessing two air rifle barrels and 19 rounds of gold and silver-coloured ammunition without a valid licence or permit at the same location, time and date.

Both charges were brought under Section 8(a) of the Firearms Act 1960, which provides for a maximum jail term of seven years or a maximum fine of RM10,000 or both, upon conviction.

The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutor Nurul Nadia Jamal, while the accused was represented by National Legal Aid Foundation (YBGK) lawyer Intan Nursyafina Baharudin.

The court denied bail for the accused and fixed July 12 for mention of the case. — Bernama