The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) have confirmed that only 26 shotguns belonging to the People's Volunteer Corps of Malaysia (Rela) were missing early this month after rechecking, said inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar.

He said 12 people including a Rela member, aged between 40 and 60 years, who were suspected of being involved in the sale of Rela firearms were arrested in the northern part of the peninsula.

"I affirm that only 26 shotguns are missing although initially 44 were reported missing. Of the 26, 11 have been found and we have detained 12 individuals.

"We will make more arrests in Selangor to track down the 15 missing shotguns. We know who are having the firearms and we advise them to return the firearms immediately to the police," he told reporters after launching the Home Ministry's Open Day in Ayer Keroh, Malacca today.

The ceremony, which was officially opened by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, was also attended by Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed and Malacca Chief Minister Idris Haron.

Elaborating, Khalid said stern action would be taken against the individuals who are still in possession of the firearms but the form of punishment against them would be considered if the firearms are returned before their arrest.

Yesterday, newspapers reported that six people were detained by police in Kedah and Perak after they were alleged to have been involved in the sale and purchase of 44 firearms belonging to Selama, Perak Rela which were discovered missing early this month.

The activity was uncovered after the Government Agency Firearms Licence Enforcement Unit, Inspector-General of Police Secretariat (Firearms Licence), Bukit Aman conducted an inspection and audit at the Northern Region (PLRWU) Rela Training Centre in Sungai Petani, Kedah.

Meanwhile, Khalid said the police would run comprehensive checks at all government agencies licensed to use firearms to detect any abuse or firearms sales activity.

- Bernama