Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Restrictions on Retailers and Merchants from Selling Dangerous Objects to Minors by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs whether there are restrictions against retailers and merchants from selling dangerous objects such as knives or blades to minors and, if not, whether the Ministry will consider reviewing their polices to do so.

Answer:

1. Police do not impose an age restriction on persons who are allowed to buy objects like blades and knives from retailers, and do not have the intention to do so for now. It is neither practical nor effective to regulate their sale as many of them, like kitchen knives and Swiss-army knives, are common items used for a myriad of everyday activities.

2. However, anyone found in possession of blades and knives in a public area without a lawful purpose may be liable for the offence of possessing an offensive weapon under the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act. The penalty is up to 3 years' imprisonment and caning of not less than 6 strokes.