BENTONG: The Transport Ministry today lauded the Attorney-General's decision to introduce new guidelines on the use of firearms for enforcement personnel while on duty.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the move was timely as most agencies including the Road Transport Department have their own special task force setup to handle criminals.
"These task forces have to handle criminals and that is why they are issued special licence to carry firearms.
"It is a high risk job," he said.
He was responding to an announcement made by Attorney-General Tan Sri Apandi Ali yesterday that enforcement officers have the right to use their firearms should they feel their lives are threatened while on duty.
Liow added that the new guideline would assist RTD enforcement officers in enforcing the law better.
When asked on possible misuse of the firearms, Liow said the new guideline would help provide more clarity as to how to handle weapons in certain circumstances.
More importantly, he said enforcement officers too need to abide by the law.
"Any abuse is subject to the law. They are to follow the guidelines strictly," he said.
The new Guidelines on the use of Firearms (while on duty) 2017 were formulated following the death of a female Customs officer who was rammed by a ‘tonto’ in Kelantan while on duty last year.
According to Apandi, the death occurred due to a lack of knowledge on firearms usage procedures among on-duty enforcement officers.
Previous guidelines under the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971 only emphasised how to store firearms but did not include operational procedures.