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(b) Many gun owners have complained that the authorities had lost their records for the guns surrendered. Does the Minister know how many records have been lost. And what steps would be taken to replace these records with a view to return these guns.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Datuk Gramong Juna): Tuan Speaker, for the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Bukit Assek, according to the records kept by the police, a total of 8,539 shotguns of various makes including air rifles were surrendered to the government following the Brunei Rebellion and the communist insurgency. So far the number of guns returned to the rightful owners stood at 448 and these returns were made before 1974. The total number of guns still kept in the police custody at Miri, Sibu and Kuching is 8,092. Most of the guns are in bad condition, and therefore, will not be returned.

The police has not lost any records of the guns seized, Sir. However, in some cases, the police could not trace the rightful owners, in spite of the efforts to do so. The State Government had decided not to return shotguns which are no longer functioning.

Dr. Soon Choon Teck: (Supplementary question) Has the government, thinking of any, say compensate the gun owners in lieu of returning the guns, make some payment to them and settle the whole business because we met, you know, the same problem every time we go to the ulu area. People have been asking about this question.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Luar Bandar (Datuk Gramong Juna): Tuan Speaker, as a matter of fact, the government has decided to compensate the gun owners whose guns can no longer be returned. As a matter of fact, the Federal Government has approved certain allocation amounting to about RM2.1 million for compensation but the procedure for payment is being worked out. We shall pay when these are ready. Thank you.