Residents in Kuching, Sarawak, were left shocked after footage surfaced online showing a man openly holding what appeared to be a firearm in public. The video, widely shared on social media by local community pages, quickly drew hundreds of comments from netizens questioning how such an incident could happen in broad daylight.
The clip, believed to be taken along a busy street in the city, shows three individuals standing near a vehicle, with one of them holding what looks like a handgun. It remains unclear whether the weapon was real or a replica, but the sight alone was enough to cause alarm among the public. Some online users speculated that it could have been part of a movie shoot or prank, while others feared it was a genuine case of someone carrying a weapon illegally.
The man has since been arrested
Netizens React with Humour and Concern
Reactions online were a mix of disbelief, humour, and criticism. Some likened the scene to the popular video game Grand Theft Auto, dubbing it “Kuching version GTA7.” Others sarcastically remarked that Malaysia was starting to feel like the “Wild West,” while a few joked about buying a similar-looking gun on e-commerce platforms for just a few dollars.
Despite the light-hearted jokes, several commenters stressed that public safety should never be taken lightly, especially when firearms — real or fake — are involved. Incidents like this can cause unnecessary panic, disrupt traffic, and endanger lives if misunderstandings occur.
Public Safety Remains a Priority
In Malaysia, the possession of firearms without proper authorisation is a serious offence that carries heavy penalties, including long prison terms. Even carrying imitation weapons in a public place can attract legal consequences if it causes alarm or is used to commit an offence.
Authorities are expected to clarify the details of this Kuching case soon. In the meantime, police are reminding the public to avoid dangerous stunts and to report any suspicious activities immediately.
This incident serves as a reminder that while social media may turn such moments into viral entertainment, safety and law enforcement remain the top priorities.