CUSTOMISING toys to give them that little extra edge may seem innocuous to hobbyists, but certain new toy-gun modifications may land them in hot water.
Retailers and toy-gun enthusiasts told my paper that hobbyists are now customising guns which fire foam pellets with suction cups, a practice which may potentially cause them to run afoul of the law.
When contacted, a police spokesman said that all toy-gun imports must have the approval of the police's Licensing Division, and that only approved toy guns are allowed to be sold in Singapore.
"Modifications to an approved toy gun may result in it being defined as 'arms' under the Arms and Explosives Act. Any person who modifies or is found in possession of such a toy gun may be guilty of offences under the Act," the spokesman said.
He added that even if the modified toy gun does not fall under the category of "arms", action may still be taken against the owner depending on how the modified toy gun is used.
Hobbyists said the modifications range from adding an extra magazine to changing the firing mechanism to increase projectile range.
Sales retail manager Su Guang Hui, 33, said he customises his guns for convenience and a "cool factor".
"It's about personalising the toy gun, like how people customise their cars," he said.
The toy-gun community numbers about 600, with half of them aged 20 to 40.
Mr Su said that the community advocates the responsible handling of toy guns and insists that goggles and covered footwear be worn during toy-gun matches.
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