KUALA LUMPUR - An Israeli man pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court today on two charges of trafficking six firearms and possessing 158 of bullets in a hotel here last month.
Avitan Shalom, 38, made the plea after both charges were read before Judge Tasnim Abu Bakar.
He was charged with trafficking a Glock 19 USA 9x 10 (Serial Number AEGS 286); Sig Sauer P3205P (Serial Number 58C283463); Cougar 8000FT (Serial Number T6429-10G002496); Glock 17 Gen4 Austria 9x19 (Serial Number: BDZZ090); N&P 9C Smith & Wesson Spring Field MA USA (Serial Number: DSW9077) and a Stoeger Cougar 8000F (Serial Number 58C283463).
The offences were allegedly committed in a hotel room in Jalan Ampang, here between 6.46pm on March 26 and 6pm on March 28.
The man was charged under Section 7(1) of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971 (Act 37) which carries a minimum of 30 years imprisonment and a maximum of 40 years and not less than six strokes of the cane if found guilty.
For the second charge, the man is accused of possessing ammunition which is a box of Shell Shock NAS3 9mm, containing eight bullets (B660104); a box of Bullet Master Co. Ltd, containing 50 bullets (B660105); a box of Bullet Master Co. Ltd, containing 50 bullets (B660105); and a box of Bullet Master Co Ltd, containing 50 bullets (B660105), without a gun license or permit.
He was charged with committing the offence at the same place, time and date in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960 (Act 206) which provides for a maximum imprisonment of seven years, or a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or both, if convicted.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamad Mustaffa P. Kunyalam did not offer any bail as it is a non-bailable offence.
Lawyers Navinjit Singh and Jeffrey Ooi who represented the accused agreed with the prosecution's proposal and did not raise any objections.
The court fixed May 21 for the re-mention of the case. - BERNAMA