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Airgun law · World
Are Airguns Legal in Malaysia?
Mostly no, or only under severe restrictions.
Treated at or near firearm level, with an effective ban or major criminal-law exposure for ordinary ownership. Watch the personal import blocked rule in particular.
Tier 1: Severely Restricted
Effective civilian ban or extreme criminal penalties for unlicensed possession.
MY
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive Malaysia is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationUnclear
Age ruleUnclear
PossessionVariable
Transfer / salePersonal import blocked
TransportSeverely restricted
AuthorityNational statute
Before you buy or sell
- Up to 7 years' imprisonment and/or RM10,000 fine for unlicensed airgun possession (Arms Act 1960 s.8).
The rules in detail
Classification
Unclear
Arms Act 1960: all airguns are 'arms' identical to conventional firearms.
Age rule
Unclear
Police licensing only.
Possession
Variable
Licence from Chief Police Officer required for any airgun. Unlicensed possession: up to 7 years' imprisonment, a fine up to RM10,000, or both (Arms Act 1960 s.8). The 14-years-plus-whipping penalty is for explosive-propellant firearms under the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971, not airguns.
Transfer / sale
Personal import blocked
State-controlled.
Transport
Severely restricted
Severely restricted.
Authority
National statute
National statute.
Hunting with an airgun
Effectively closed to airguns.
Deer
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Turkey
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Small game
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Predators
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Other big game
Unresolved / not addressed
Not listed
Import & travel
Local & import notes
Visitor procedure
Government has been tightening issuance of new gun licences. In 2023 the mandatory death penalty for discharging a firearm in a crime was abolished and replaced with 30–40 years + caning (Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act; explosive-propellant firearms only, not airguns).
Keep exploring
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance. It isn't legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.