KUALA LUMPUR: Approximately RM4.16mil worth of imitation firearms were seized following coordinated raids on several premises in Johor, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur.

Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order (KDNKA) department director Comm Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim reported that the raids were conducted simultaneously by the department's Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Intelligence Investigation (WCB/PSK) division on Monday (June 30).

"In the first operation in Kepong, 4,983 fake weapons worth RM4.1mil were seized along with 1,400 boxes of snacks during raids on two premises. We also detained four foreign men aged between 28 and 40," he said on Tuesday (July 1).

Comm Azmi stated that in the second operation, 53 imitation firearms worth RM31,520 were seized, and a local man was detained following raids at two premises.

"The third operation in Batu Pahat, Johor, resulted in the detention of a local man and the seizure of 15 fake weapons worth RM15,000," he added.

Comm Azmi confirmed that all the fake firearms seized in the three operations were valued at RM4.16mil.

"We believe the suspects have been selling imitation firearms online for a few months. We had to conduct these operations as suspects detained in previous criminal cases had been using imitation firearms.

"We aim to prevent the misuse of these imitation firearms to avoid public distress and fear," he said.

Comm Azmi urged social media platform providers and administrators of online e-commerce sites to monitor and prevent the sale of illegal items on their respective sites and to cooperate with the authorities.

"Members of the public must not buy or use imitation firearms. Contact the police immediately if they come across the sale of such items," he advised.

On a separate note, Comm Azmi mentioned that the WCB/PSK has conducted 153 raids and detained 233 individuals between January 1 and June 30. They managed to seize RM433.3mil worth of items, including contraband, wildlife, and e-waste products during the same period.