Cops Remind Con Goers That Brandishing Cosplay Guns In Public Is Still Off-Limits

Following the world seemingly rediscovering anime conventions at AnimeFest, Police have warned the public that waving cosplay guns around in public, even when marked properly, is still a no-no.

The Star contacted Petaling Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Mohamad Fakhruddin, who clarified that what happens in the convention hall should stay in the convention hall:

“I understand it’s an anime festival and if it is within the private space and the proper permits are done for that event, the police are ok”, he said. “But when you take it out in public then that is not allowed”.

Weapons have always been a big gray area in cosplay spaces- crafting your own weapons is a huge part of the cosplay scene, especially with more characters being identified by their unique weaponry.

Many conventions have adopted their own rules, particularly on cosplay guns, where props need to be marked with an orange barrels and checked before entering venue halls.

That being said, Fakhruddin reiterates that these measures only apply to the convention hall itself- once you enter a public space, public rules on brandishing weapons apply.

“Yes, even if any colour tape is attached to it, if it’s in public the police can take action,” he said.

The overwhelming success of AnimeFest seems to have attracted attention on Malaysia’s Convention Scene again, as the greater public are reintroduced to things like cosplay and conventions in general.

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