GEORGE TOWN, Jan 20 – Penang police are intensifying security watch and patrolling at public haunts such as shopping complexes and tourist spots. State police chief, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Hanafi said the action was taken following the highest level national security warning announced by the Royal Malaysian Police following the terror bomb and firearms attack in Jakarta, Indonesia last week.
“The Penang police contingent’s main focus is on public places…the police foot patrol teams, motorcycle patrol unit and patrol cars will also check on the foreign consulates and residences of foreign diplomatic representatives,” he told the reporters, here, on Tuesday.
“The marine police, meanwhile, had been instructed to increase formation and patrolling in the country’s waters to prevent infiltration by terror elements. I assure that the security situation in Penang is good. The public need not worry about any threats as the police are always monitoring and carrying out intelligence work. Indeed, our priority is public security,” he said.
“On another development, 1,500 police officers and personnel would be on duty in “Op Palu” from this Jan 23 to 25 in conjunction with the Thaipusam celebration in Penang. The state police would increase security watch during the celebration to prevent any untoward incident. Our target is zero incident, like last year. I also urge Hindus not to be afraid to celebrate the occasion as police will boost security measures at the celebration sites,” Abdul Rahim said.
