Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Online Platforms Retailing Knives and the Laws and Policies Associated with the Sale of Dangerous Weapons, by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law

Question:

Miss Cheng Li Hui: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Ministry is aware of online retail platforms that offer a variety of knives including karambit knives for sale; (b) whether the ease and accessibility of procuring such dangerous weapons is a cause for concern; and (c) whether the Ministry intends to review the laws and policies associated with the sale of such products.

Answer:

1.      MHA is aware that there are e-commerce platforms that offer weapons such as karambits for sale.

2.      Karambits are currently not regulated under the Arms and Explosives Act (or AEA), and a licence is not required for selling or possessing them.

3.      However, in January 2021, we introduced the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act (or GEWCA), which will replace the AEA when it comes into force later this year.

4.      GEWCA will expand the list of regulated weapons to include dangerous weapons such as karambits. All persons, including e-commerce platforms, who possess, handle or supply these items, will need a licence from Police. Sellers of these dangerous weapons will need to be security-screened by Police; and those who hold a licence to possess them will need to adhere to stringent safety conditions, such as storing the items safely under lock and key, and not handing the items to unauthorised persons.

5.      In addition, under the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act (or CESOWA), it is an offence to carry a karambit in public without a lawful purpose.

6.      MHA will continue to regularly review our legislation to keep Singapore safe.