Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Measures to Restrict Import, Delivery or Purchase of Stun Devices

Question:

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs in light of the recent case of two Traffic Police officers who were allegedly injured by a stun device (a) whether the Ministry has information on how such a stun device had come into the possession of the alleged perpetrator; and (b) what are the measures to ensure the restriction of the import, delivery or purchase of such stun or similar devices into Singapore.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1.  Under the Arms and Explosives Act, individuals who wish to import, export, sell or possess arms, including stun devices, are required to obtain a licence from the Police. Individuals who possess such items without a valid licence are liable for a fine of up to $5,000 for each stun device and imprisonment not exceeding three years. Individuals who import, export or sell such items without a valid licence are liable for a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment not exceeding three years.

2. The Police work with stakeholders such as the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and e-commerce platforms to detect and prevent the unauthorised import and sale of arms, including stun devices.

3. We are unable to comment specifically on the case, including how the stun device had come into the possession of the suspect, as it is currently before the courts.