By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, May 26: The Sarawak government is working on a new electronic system to enhance the management of shotgun licences and ammunition, aiming to improve efficiency and public safety across the State.
Minister in the Premier’s Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, said that the system is intended to improve administrative efficiency and ensure stricter control.
He provided details during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) session, responding to a query from the Ba’kelalan assemblyman, Baru Bian.
Sikie explained that shotgun ownership in Sarawak is regulated under the Firearms Act 1960 and the Sabah and Sarawak Executive Powers (Shotgun) Order 1977, with licences issued primarily for protecting crops and livestock from pests rather than for hunting.
To date, a total of 45,967 licences have been registered for individuals, companies, and agencies throughout Sarawak.
“Matters involving shotguns and ammunition need to be controlled and managed efficiently and in an orderly manner to ensure public safety and security,” said Sikie.
He also acknowledged the proposal from the Ba’kelalan representative to devolve approval powers for shotgun ammunition purchase licences from the District Officer to the Administrative Officer, to better serve the needs of rural communities.
Meanwhile, in response to Ngemah assemblyman, Anyi Jana, Sikie noted that the government acknowledged the inheritance of shotguns as a form of cultural heritage among the Dayak community, particularly for those maintaining the main room of a longhouse.
However, current policy only permits inheritance from parents to sons or daughters to ensure accountability and security control in the ownership of the shotgun.
In cases where the owner has no eligible heirs, Sikie said that the shotgun must be surrendered to the police for disposal.
He also clarified that there are no plans to reopen applications for individual Carry and Use Permits, which remain restricted to approved security agencies and departments. –DayakDaily
