The 25-year-old man was detained with three HK416 rifles and two M16 rifles that had been modified from gel blaster firearms that he bought online before reselling them to customers on social media.

A source said the man, who works in the hardware store, is believed to have begun modifying the firearms before reselling them early this year. The sales could generate several hundred ringgit in profit per firearm.

Police said the man could have sold more than 10 such firearms and they were tracking down the buyers to determine if they were used for criminal activities.

Seberang Perai Tengah district police chief Shafee Abd Samad said the case was being investigated under the Firearms Act 1960.