STEPS TO TACKLE ISSUE OF GUN PARTS AND OTHER CONTROLLED ITEMS BEING SOLD ON E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS

Mr. Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Home Affairs what steps will be taken to address the recent incident involving gun parts and other controlled items being offered for sale on several e-commerce platforms in Singapore.

Mr. K Shanmugam: Gun parts and other dangerous items such as explosives are regulated under the Arms and Explosives Act (AEA). Suppliers or buyers have to obtain relevant licences from the Police to handle these items.

E-commerce platforms are currently not regulated by the Police for the sale of gun parts and other dangerous items. However, MHA has introduced the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act (GEWCA), which will replace the AEA when it comes into force in end 2021. Under the GEWCA, e-commerce platforms will be regulated for the sale of these items. MHA is developing the regulatory framework and consulting the industry.