I’ve been part of the gun industry and lifestyle for over 15 years. Even before that, I was familiar with firearms throughout my teenage and adult years. Growing up in the UK, I started with air guns and eventually moved on to handling “real steel” in the US and here in Malaysia. From a young age, I was fascinated by the world of shooting.
In 2016, I co-founded Tycoma Arms with two friends. We’re a licensed firearms and ammunition company based in Kuching, Sarawak, on the Malaysian side of Borneo. Soon after starting Tycoma, I earned my Glock Armorer certification, and what began as a passion grew into a serious business.
As social media and platforms like YouTube became more popular, I started consuming tons of content about firearms and everyday carry (EDC) gear. I dream of a lifestyle centered around the outdoors, but one thing quickly stood out: nearly all the online content was focused on the American experience. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I always wondered why there wasn’t much content from a “Malaysian perspective.”
Over time, I figured out the answer. There are a few key reasons why “Malaysian-centric” gun content is rare:
- Very few Malaysians own firearms, especially handguns.
- Firearms are a highly regulated and sensitive topic, and the authorities keep a close watch.
- Many people aren’t comfortable discussing guns openly due to safety and security concerns.
But just because there isn’t much content available doesn’t mean there’s no interest. Malaysia has plenty of enthusiasts, fans, and sports shooters, especially those involved in IPSC competitions, among our 34 million people.
For the past year or so, I’ve thought about creating a website to address these gaps—somewhere to answer questions, spread awareness about laws and regulations, and promote safe practices and training. I kept hesitating, unsure if it would be worth the effort.
Then, I thought about combining my interest in firearms with my passion for everyday carry gear. EDC includes all kinds of things like bags, clothing, flashlights, and tools that make up a prepared and organized lifestyle. While there are some Malaysian resources for EDC, none seem to connect it with firearms and the unique legal environment here in Malaysia.
That’s what I hope to achieve with this website. Maybe in the future, I’ll expand to platforms like YouTube, Instagram and X but for now, I’ll focus on this website.
Anyway, let’s see how this project turns out.
Let me know what you think!