Police arrest soldier found with gun, ammunition and ketum water
PETALING JAYA: A member of the Armed Forces has been detained for possession of a gun, ammunition and also some ketum water.
Source: The Star on MSN · October 3, 2026 at 2:32 PM · AI-assisted report
Single-sourceKUALA LUMPUR, 3 OCTOBER 2026 —
A Malaysian Army officer was arrested on September 28 in Kuala Lumpur after police found him in possession of a pistol, ammunition, and ketum water, with authorities confirming the suspect tested positive for mitragynine, the psychoactive compound in ketum.
Market Impact
The case, investigated under Section 8 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971 and Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960, raises concerns over security protocols within the military and the broader issue of drug abuse among public servants. The suspect, a civil servant, was initially remanded for five days and later granted an extension until October 8, according to Cheras Deputy OCPD Supt Lim Chun How.
Police acted on a report involving the Sungai Besi Army camp car park, where the officer was apprehended by a team from the Cheras police headquarters’ crime prevention and community safety department. Authorities seized the firearm, multiple rounds of ammunition, and a liquid suspected to be ketum. The Armed Forces confirmed that all firearms and ammunition in its storage facilities were accounted for, adding that an immediate inspection was conducted following the incident.
The suspect, who has a criminal record including two drug-related offences, was arrested at a public institution of higher learning. The Armed Forces statement clarified that the officer was not on duty at the time of the arrest. Meanwhile, the police statement did not disclose the suspect’s identity or rank, citing ongoing investigations.
This incident follows heightened scrutiny over drug abuse and firearms violations among public servants, particularly in light of recent high-profile cases involving military personnel. The suspect’s positive test for mitragynine, pending laboratory confirmation, further complicates the case, as ketum possession carries severe penalties under Malaysian law. The next court appearance is scheduled for October 8, where prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence.
Related: Cheras police headquarters · Lim Chun How · Kuala Lumpur