Parliament has approved a firearm amnesty for the period November 5 to 19.

The order was tabled in the lower house on Tuesday, by National Security Minister, Dr. Horace Chang.

The amnesty is aimed at encouraging persons, to bring in, illegal guns or ammunition, without being prosecuted.

After the 14 day amnesty expires, anyone found in possession of an illegal gun or ammunition, will face the full force of the new firearms law.

Dr. Chang pointed out that the new legislation, which was enacted on Tuesday, has stiffer penalties for offences.

He urged persons who, for example, inherited, a gun, that they do not use, to take it in.

The minister said the amnesty does not apply to persons, who use the weapons, in criminal activity.