Former Soldier Faces Prison, Fine for Illegal Firearms Possession

A former soldier is confronting potential prison time and a significant fine after being charged with illegal possession of firearms, imitation weapons, and live ammunition. Suhaimi Che Din, 49, appeared before the Sessions and Magistrate's Courts in Kangar and pleaded not guilty to all five charges.

At the Sessions Court, Suhaimi was charged with possessing a CZ 457 Premium .22R rifle with two rounds of .22R caliber ammunition. This charge falls under Section 8 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971, which carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison and at least six strokes of the cane if convicted.

He also faced charges for possessing four air rifles, including models like the Umarex Gauntlet 2, Model X-1, Greyhound T-Rex Bullpup, and Sharp Tiger. Additionally, he was charged with possessing 21 rounds of 12 Bore Buckshot and 300 rounds of .22 Rimfire ammunition. These offenses allegedly occurred in Kampung Wang Pisang, near Taman Beseri Jaya, Beseri, around 12:45 a.m. on July 5.

In the Magistrate's Court, Suhaimi was charged with possessing various types of ammunition, totaling 137 rounds, without valid authorization at an apartment in Pangsapuri Terinai. This charge is under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960, punishable by a maximum of seven years imprisonment, a fine not exceeding RM10,000, or both.

The prosecution was handled by Deputy Public Prosecutor Alia Suzila Chek Pi, while Suhaimi was represented by lawyer Zuhair Mohd Zakuan. The court denied bail for the accused, and the case has been scheduled for mention on August 20.