By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Jan 17: Sarawak deputy chief minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing has criticised the revoking of firearm licence of gun owners that are currently being carried out in stages nationwide.
The Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president urged the police to be considerate with native gun owners in Sarawak to allow them to keep their guns for hunting purposes.
He reasoned that the natives would hunt wildlife to supplement their income, apart from their own daily meat supply
“The directive by the police not to issue firearms for hunting purposes, reflects the lack of understanding. Some people, especially the native communities in Sarawak need gun to hunt for wild animals.
“The native communities in Sarawak and I am sure in Sabah, need wild animal meat not only for their daily consumption but also as means to supplement their income,” he said in a statement.
Masing was commenting on Inspector General of police, Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador’s recent comment in a clip reported by news portal Malaysiakini, that the police was in the process of revoking the licences of gun owners in stages to discourage hunting.
Abdul Hamid revealed that there are some 6,900 gun owners in the country.
Masing said the police should have carried out proper research on the lifestyle of the natives in Sarawak, as to why they still need their guns.
“I couldn’t believe what I heard and saw in the video clip. The police should have done further research on lifestyle and needs of the rural population before making such a ridiculous announcement.
“It is the ‘black shoes’ syndrome’s principle coming back to haunt the administration,” he continued. — DayakDaily
