A gun amnesty will be declared as soon as the new Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act is entered into force, says Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang.
This amnesty will allow persons who may be in possession of illegal firearms the opportunity to surrender these weapons to the State, without the fear of prosecution.
Dr. Chang made the disclosure as he opened the debate on the legislation in the House of Representatives, on September 6.
The Minister explained that Clause 19 of the Bill gives the power to the Minister to declare a firearms amnesty, by order, subject to affirmative resolution.
“The amnesty may be declared upon the Minister being satisfied that it may result in the reduction in the number of illegally possessed firearms or ammunition in the country,” Dr. Chang argued.
He said that a public education campaign will also be undertaken along with the expansion of the get-the-guns programme.
