Cosplayers who dress in military uniforms or carry replica weapons at events could face legal action if they break the law, Bukit Aman has warned.
Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said wearing military uniforms, including those resembling foreign armed forces, is not automatically an offence.
However, it becomes an offence if the costume is worn in a way that causes people to believe the wearer is an actual member of the military or security forces. Such cases may be investigated under Section 140 of the Penal Code.
Replica weapons could also cause trouble
Noor Hisam said participants carrying imitation rifles, pistols or airsoft guns without valid authorisation may also be investigated under Section 36 of the Arms Act 1960. He added that imitation firearms resembling real weapons, as well as replica sharp weapons such as keris, machetes, spears, axes, brass knuckles and samurai swords, are also prohibited at events.
During the first six months of this year, police opened one investigation under Section 140 after a viral incident in Gombak involving a man dressed in clothing resembling a security officer while carrying what was believed to be an imitation weapon. No arrests were made in that case.
Over the same period, police also opened 63 investigation papers under the Arms Act, leading to 95 arrests.
“Ignorance of the law cannot be used as an excuse to avoid legal action,” Noor Hisam said.
Organisers already enforce costume rules
Cosplay event organisers say they already have strict guidelines to ensure participants comply with the law. An organiser who identified himself only as Lman said cosplay events mainly focus on anime, manga and video game characters, not military attire.
He said participants are required to declare any props they bring, and organisers will inspect them before allowing entry.
Anyone found carrying prohibited items or failing to comply with event rules may be asked to leave or change their costume. Some participants who wear historical military uniforms said they do so out of an interest in history and historical reenactments, not to impersonate soldiers or promote any ideology.
They also noted that replica weapons used at events are typically made from materials such as wood or plastic and are subject to organisers’ guidelines.
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