SANDAKAN – The Malaysian Army has not been instructed to heighten security at the country’s airports, despite the recent shooting incident at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Army chief Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan said, however, that the army remains prepared to respond to additional requests from other security agencies, underscoring their commitment to national security.
He recalled the army’s assistance to other agencies during Op Penawar in 2021, amid the movement control order, emphasising their readiness to collaborate whenever necessary.
“For now, no additional requests for army assistance have been received from relevant agencies. However, we are always ready to help other agencies should they need our support,” he told a press conference when visiting a security post in Pulau Berhala, here, this afternoon.
Hafizuddeain said this during a visit to the Pasir Operation (Op Pasir), Bravo Sector’s post on the island, which coincided with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
Regarding the Malaysian government’s stance on supporting the Palestinian cause, Hafizuddeain affirmed the army’s willingness to assist if called upon.
He mentioned the possibility of providing humanitarian aid, such as field hospitals, and emphasised the army’s secondary duty to assist public agencies during crises or natural disasters.
Op Pasir, initiated in 2000 along Sabah’s east coast, aims to mitigate threats from neighbouring countries. Hafizuddeain commended the army’s dedication and urged them to remain vigilant even during festive occasions.
“I see that the army is in good shape. They are motivated to perform their tasks here, even during Hari Raya. I told them not to be careless in carrying out their responsibilities because we do not want intruders in Sabah’s waters,” he said.
On Friday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said police have boosted their controls and the number of officers and personnel assigned at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2 since Tuesday.
Security controls and monitoring currently involve officers and personnel from the KLIA police headquarters, the General Operations Force, and the Internal Security and Public Order Department, he said.
On Sunday at 1.30am, a man fired two shots, one of which hit his wife’s bodyguard in the arrival hall of Terminal 1. – April 21, 2024