KUALA LUMPUR: Wearing military uniforms and carrying imitation weapons at cosplay events could land participants in trouble with the law if they mislead the public or violate weapons regulations
Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said while wearing uniforms resembling security forces, including foreign soldiers, is not automatically an offence, it becomes one if done to mislead the public into believing the individual is an actual military member
Such cases are investigated under Section 140 of the Penal Code
“If the costume is accompanied by imitation weapon props, such as rifles, replica pistols or airsoft guns without a valid licence, the individual may be investigated under Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960
“Participants must also pay attention to the ban on carrying imitation firearms that resemble real weapons, and scheduled sharp weapons including the keris, machetes, spears, axes, brass knuckles and samurai swords, even if they are replicas,” he said
Noor Hisam said that during the first six months of this year, one investigation paper was opened under Section 140 of the Penal Code following an incident in Gombak, Selangor, where a viral video showed a man wearing clothing resembling security personnel while carrying a suspected imitation weapon. No arrests were made in that case
However, under Section 36 of Act 206, a total of 63 investigation papers were opened, resulting in 95 arrests during the same period
“Ignorance of the law cannot be used as an excuse to avoid legal action,” Noor Hisam said, advising participants and organisers to ensure costumes and props do not violate the law
He encouraged event organisers to provide clear guidelines on prohibited costumes and accessories at registration areas to ensure a safe, orderly, and law-abiding environment without restricting creativity
An event organiser known only as Lman said such events focus on anime, manga, and video games rather than military attire, noting that participants dressed in wartime uniforms could give the public the wrong impression
Lman said organisers enforce compliance by prohibiting sharp objects or replica weapons that pose security risks
“We check the accessories participants bring, and if they do not comply with the conditions, they may be asked to leave the venue or change their clothing,” Lman said
Meanwhile, a 19-year-old private university student known as Daniel said his military uniform, bought online, was worn out of an interest in history and historical reenactment rather than to promote any ideology
“I see this clothing as part of history. I wear it out of interest, not to support an ideology, and I only wear it in the event area,” Daniel said
A private sector employee identified as Muiz, 27, said he and a group of individuals have been active in the historical reenactment community for two years and use cosplay events to interact with others who share the hobby
Another participant, San, 27, noted that his replica weapons were made of wood and plastic, adding that participants generally adhere to the guidelines set by event organisers
Keywords:
NewsNstBukit AmanMalaysia NewsImitation WeaponsNoor Hisam NordinMilitary UniformsArms Act 1960Cosplay Events
