Elderly Man Arrested for Pointing Toy Pistol on KL Highway

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12: Police have arrested a 60-year-old man after he was seen pointing an object resembling a pistol at another motorist on the Kuala Lumpur East-West Link Highway (Kilometer E37), in a video that went viral on social media.

Brickfields District Police Chief ACP Hoo Chan Hook said the incident occurred at around 4:13 p.m. and was captured in a 34-second video showing the driver of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) opening his window and pointing the object at another car.

“Following the viral video, the suspect was detained at 7 p.m. He admitted to pointing a toy gun while driving, as seen in the footage,” ACP Hoo said in a statement.

According to police, the suspect claimed that he became frustrated after a vehicle cut in front of him without signaling. He then overtook the car, after which the driver of the other vehicle opened his window and displayed anger, prompting the suspect to show the object resembling a pistol.

Checks revealed that the man is unemployed and has five previous criminal records. Authorities have seized two toy pistols and the suspect’s SUV.

A remand application for further investigation under Section 36(1) of the Firearms Act 1960 will be filed tomorrow.

ACP Hoo reminded the public that brandishing even toy firearms in public is a serious offense that can cause panic and legal repercussions.