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Malaysia — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns held by civilians in Malaysia is 370,0001

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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The rate of private gun ownership in Malaysia is 1.52 firearms per 100 people

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Malaysia ranked at No. 961

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Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 179 countries, Malaysia ranked at No. 1332

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Number of Licensed Firearm Owners

The number of licensed gun owners in Malaysia is reported to be 142,0383

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Rate of Licensed Firearm Owners per 100 Population

The rate of licensed firearm owners in Malaysia is 0.634 per 100 people

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Number of Registered Firearms

The number of registered guns in Malaysia is reported to be 142,0381 3

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Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

The rate of registered firearms per 100 people in Malaysia is 0.554

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Number of Privately Owned Rifles

In Malaysia, the number of rifles in civilian possession is reported to be 5,3403

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Number of Privately Owned Shotguns

In Malaysia, the number of shotguns in civilian possession is reported to be 127,2223

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Number of Privately Owned Handguns

There are reportedly 9,4763 handguns in civilian possession in Malaysia

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Malaysia are reported to have 440,2505 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Malaysia are reported to have 70,0006 firearms

ImpactsGun Death and Injury

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Number of Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Malaysia, annual homicides by any means total

2006: 6047
2005: 497
2000: 5518
1999: 588
1998: 629

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Malaysia, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2006: 2.317
2005: 1.94
2000: 2.368
1999: 2.59
1998: 2.83

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Number of Gun Homicides

In Malaysia, annual firearm homicides total

1995: 419

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

In Malaysia, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

1995: 0.179

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Number of Suicides (any method)

In Malaysia, annual suicides by any means total

1995: 3689

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Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

In Malaysia, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

1995: 1.519

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Number of Unintentional Gun Deaths

In Malaysia, annual unintentional shooting deaths total

1995: 169

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Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

In Malaysia, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death per 100,000 population is

1995: 0.079

ProductionGun Industry

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Firearm Manufacture

In Malaysia, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence10 11

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Small Arms Manufacture - World Ranking

In a classification of the world's small, medium and major firearm manufacturers, Malaysia is ranked 'small'12

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Home-made Guns

In Malaysia the prevalence of illicit craft, or 'home-made' firearm manufacture is reported to be moderate13

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Export Control

In Malaysia, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law 14 15

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Small Arms Exports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Malaysia is reported to be US$653,27916 (2009)

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Small Arms Exports - World Ranking

In a comparison of the world's major/mid-level/minor/unknown small arms exporters, Malaysia is categorized as 'minor'17

Import Control

In Malaysia, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law 18 19 20 15 21

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Small Arms Imports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Malaysia is reported to be US$8,021,19416 (2009)

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Smuggling Guns and Ammunition

Reports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in Malaysia is moderate3

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Malaysia, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law22

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End User Certificates

Customs regulations in Malaysia do not include22 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Malaysia is categorised as restrictive23

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Malaysia is the Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, The Arms Act 196024

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Malaysia are regulated by the Chief Police Officer25 26

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Right to Possess Firearms

In Malaysia, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law22

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Prohibited Firearms and Ammunition

In Malaysia, civilians are not allowed to possess pump action or repeating shotguns, and automatic firearms27

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Regulation of Automatic Assault Weapons

In Malaysia, private possession of fully automatic weapons is prohibited27

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In Malaysia, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is not prohibited in law22 27

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Regulation of Handguns

In Malaysia, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is not prohibited in law22 27

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Gun Owner Licensing

In Malaysia, only licensed gun owners28 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Licence

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Malaysia are required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example, hunting, sports-shooting and personal protection26 29

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Malaysia is 18 years, or 16 in exceptional cases27

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Malaysia must pass background checks which consider various30 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Malaysia, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required22

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Malaysia does not stipulate22 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In Malaysia, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is not required22 for a firearm licence

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Gun Owner Licensing Period

In Malaysia gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every 1 years26 11

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Licensing Records

In Malaysia, authorities maintain a record31 32 of individual civilians licensed to acquire, possess, sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Limit on Number of Guns

Licensed firearm owners in Malaysia are permitted to possess only the number and type of firearms specified on the firearm licence26

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Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

A licensed firearm owner in Malaysia is permitted to possess only the quantity of ammunition specified on the firearm licence26

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Malaysia, the law requires26 32 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In Malaysia, licensed firearm dealers are required33 31 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

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Gun Manufacturer Record Keeping

In Malaysia, licensed gun makers are required33 31 10 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In Malaysia, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited11 34

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Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In Malaysia, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful11 34

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Waiting Period for Gun Possession

In Malaysia, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined22

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Regulation of Gun Shows

In Malaysia, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are regulated11 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Malaysia include35 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Dealer

Firearm regulations in Malaysia include36 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Malaysia do not include22 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Marking

In Malaysia, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law26 37

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Firearm Tracing

In Malaysia, state authorities carry out32 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Ballistic Marking of Firearms and Ammunition

In Malaysia, state authorities employ32 ballistic fingerprinting technology to trace guns and ammunition

Carrying Guns

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In Malaysia, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit28 26

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Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public

In Malaysia, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit28 26

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Malaysia, the maximum penalty for illicit possession of firearms is up to 7 years prison and/or a fine of up to 10,000ringgit38

MeasuresInternational Controls

United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

In 2009, Malaysia voted to begin39 negotiations towards a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty. In this vote, 151 UN Member States supported talks on an ATT, with 1 voting against, 20 abstentions, and 20 non-votes

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United Nations Firearms Protocol

The United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has not been signed40 by Malaysia

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Malaysia committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects41

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UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, Malaysia has submitted one or more national reports42 43 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Malaysia, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated44 43

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UNPoA National Coordinating Body

In Malaysia, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated44

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UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated43 by Malaysia to other UN Member States

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UNPoA International Assistance – Recipient

Funds for UNPoA implementation have been provided43 to Malaysia by other UN Member States

United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Malaysia has not declared1 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Malaysia has been a Member State of the United Nations since 195745

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list46 Malaysia as a Participating State
Last Updated on 30 January 2012

Short References

1.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation

2.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)Full Citation

3.

United Nations.1999.‘Analysis of Country Responses.’ United Nations International Study on Firearm Regulation.Vienna:UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division,30 August. (Q1)Full Citation

4.

GunPolicy.org.2011.‘Calculated Rates – Malaysia.’ Historical Population Data – USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,17 March. (Q4261)Full Citation

5.

Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q6)Full Citation

6.

Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q7)Full Citation

7.

UNODC.2008.‘Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed.’ Tenth United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (2005-2006).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,10 December. (Q10)Full Citation

8.

UNODC.2004.‘Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed.’ Seventh United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems (1998-2000).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,19 March. (Q91)Full Citation

9.

Jackson, Thomas.2005.‘Global Gun Deaths.’ NISAT Firearm Mortality Database 2005.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 January. (Q12)Full Citation

10.

Malaysia.1960.‘No Person to Manufacture Arms or Ammunition Without Licence.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q5133)Full Citation

11.

Malaysia.1960.‘Manufacture and Dealer Licensing.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q1057)Full Citation

12.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘Ranking of World's Small Arms Producers (By Sales).’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q103)Full Citation

13.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘Illicit Production – South East Asia.’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q1062)Full Citation

14.

Malaysia.1960.‘Licence to Export.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q5137)Full Citation

15.

Malaysia.1960.‘Penalty for Unlawful Importation or Exportation.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q5138)Full Citation

16.

Marsh, Nicholas.2011.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 June. (Q16)Full Citation

17.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘60 Known Legal Small Arms Exporting Countries, 2001.’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q867)Full Citation

18.

Malaysia.1960.‘Licence to Import.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q5134)Full Citation

19.

Malaysia.1960.‘Marking of Cases and Notice of Importation.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q5135)Full Citation

20.

Malaysia.1960.‘Permit to Land or Tranship Arms and Ammunition.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q5136)Full Citation

21.

Malaysia.1960.‘Possession of and Importation of Imitation Arms.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q5140)Full Citation

22.

Malaysia.1960.‘Short Title.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q5128)Full Citation

23.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A Staff Report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

24.

Malaysia.1960.‘Short Title.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q5127)Full Citation

25.

Malaysia.1960.‘Power of Chief Police Officer to Delegate.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q5142)Full Citation

26.

Malaysia.1960.‘Grant and Renewal of Arms Licences and Arms Permits.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q5130)Full Citation

27.

Malaysia.1960.‘Restrictions on the Grant of Licenses and Arms Permits.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q1041)Full Citation

28.

Malaysia.1960.‘Arms Licences and Arms Permits.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q1039)Full Citation

29.

Malaysia.1960.‘Arms Not to be Discharged Except at Shooting Range.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q1042)Full Citation

30.

Malaysia.1960.‘Refusal and Revocation of Licences and Permits.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q5139)Full Citation

31.

Malaysia.1960.‘Licences to Deal in and Repair Arms and Ammunition (Record Keeping).’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q5129)Full Citation

32.

Malta.2010.‘Law Enforcement / Criminalisation – Stockpiling.’ National Report of Malta on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Malta to the United Nations,1 January. (Q4565)Full Citation

33.

Malaysia.1960.‘Manufacture and Dealer Inspections.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q1068)Full Citation

34.

Malaysia.1960.‘Restrictions on the Sale and Transfer of Arms and Ammunition; Licence to Purchase, Obtain, or Transfer Arms and Ammunition.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q1048)Full Citation

35.

Kramer, Katherine.2001.‘Shooting Clubs: Licensing and Storage.’ Legal Controls on Small Arms and Light Weapons in South East Asia.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies and Nonviolence International South East Asia,1 July. (Q1044)Full Citation

36.

Kramer, Katherine.2001.‘Inspection of Firearms and Ammunition.’ Legal Controls on Small Arms and Light Weapons in South East Asia.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies and Nonviolence International South East Asia,1 July. (Q1045)Full Citation

37.

Malaysia.1960.‘Loss or Destruction of, or Obliteration, etc., of Marks on, Arms and Ammunition.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q5131)Full Citation

38.

Malaysia.1960.‘Penalty for Possessing or Carrying Arms and Ammunition Without an Arms Licence or Arms Permit, etc.’ Laws of Malaysia, Act 206, Arms Act 1960 [Act as of January 2006].Kuala Lumpur:The Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia,1 January. (Q5132)Full Citation

39.

UNGA.2009.‘Towards an Arms Trade Treaty: Establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.’ UN Resolution A/RES/64/48.New York:United Nations General Assembly,2 June. (Q1886)Full Citation

40.

UNGA.2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation

41.

UNGA.2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation

42.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation

43.

UNODA.2009.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) – Implementation Support System.New York:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,29 October. (Q1309)Full Citation

44.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q166)Full Citation

45.

UN.2009.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York:United Nations General Assembly,11 May. (Q290)Full Citation

46.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation