New Firearms Act now in effect

The new Firearms Act is now in effect, as the final legislative procedure has been completed.

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang made the disclosure during yesterday's sitting of the Lower House.

The new law has not only increased penalties for illegal possession of firearms, but it has changed the entire regime surrounding the use, handling, sale, and management of firearms by various authorized personnel.

Other key features of the law are the creation of new offences surrounding the illicit trading in firearms, as well as new procedures for how these offences are to be treated in court.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding, in his contribution to the Parliamentary debate, said special training will be needed for various stakeholders in the judicial system under the regime being created by the new Firearms Act.