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Announcement
Warning to Malaysian Travelers on Bringing Stunning Devices into Hong Kong
The Hong Kong authorities have issued warning to all travelers transiting or entering Hong Kong as visitors, workers, or as residents to refrain from bringing restricted items, particularly stunning devices irrespective of whether these items are stored in the hand carried luggage or hold luggage.The Hong Kong Laws define "stunning devices" as "any portable device which is designed or adapted to stun or disable a person by means of an electric shoch applied either with or without direct contact with that person". According to the Police seizures, stunning devices in the shape of torch with illuminating function are the most common type and some devices are in the shape of a mobile phone and rectangular shaped.
Stun guns and other devices such as tear gas, Electric Stunning Device, Harpoon, Spear gun, cross bow, spear gun, Gravity Knife bullets, extendible batons, flick knives, and knuckle dusters are defined as “arms” under the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance of Hong Kong. Offenders are liable to a fine of HK$100,000 and a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment.
One Malaysian Nationals was arrested in Hong Kong for possessing stunning devices in March 2015.
It is revealed that offenders has purchased the stunning devices in places other than Hong Kong prior to traveling to Hong Kong by sea or land passage or transiting via the Hong Kong International Airport. To avoid legal sanction and unnecessary delay to the journey, travellers are advised to remove such prohibited items from their luggage before entering Hong Kong or transiting via the Hong Kong International Airport.
The Hong Kong authorities are strict with the enforcement of the said Ordinance. All hand-carried and checked in luggage of passengers are subjected to security screening in the airport terminals. The sentence passed upon the conviction ranged from imprisonment of one day to a month and a fine of HK$1,000 to HK$20,000. 22 April 2015