KUALA LUMPUR – Home minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has assured the public that national security remains a top priority, following the recent shooting incident at a shopping mall in Setia Alam.
Speaking at a press conference, Saifuddin emphasised that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is in a state of high readiness, as confirmed in a briefing by Deputy Inspector-General of Police.
“In a recent criminal incident, the police successfully profiled the suspect in an exceptionally short time. Not only was the suspect identified, but it was also found that he had eight prior criminal records. This demonstrates PDRM’s high level of competence in tackling crime swiftly and effectively,” he said.
On the issue of firearms, Saifuddin reiterated that owning a firearm without a licence is a serious offence. He explained that the process of obtaining a firearm licence is stringent, requiring vetting by both Bukit Aman and the Home Ministry.
“The approval rate is very low. Out of 100 appeals, I approve an average of only three cases, and even then, only with strong justification, such as for the protection of legitimate agricultural land,” he said.
Regarding the recent case involving a foreign national found in possession of an unlicensed firearm, Saifuddin clarified that the matter is now in the prosecution stage and does not reflect a broader national security threat.
“Malaysia remains safe, and the situation is under control,” he assured.
Enhanced training for security guards and auxiliary police
Saifuddin also highlighted the need to improve training for security guards and auxiliary police, particularly in light of recent crimes at business premises.
“While their basic training is conducted by PDRM, we recognise the need to enhance the training modules to address current security threats,” he said.
He added that Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayub Yaakob would be tasked with reviewing these aspects to ensure better security at commercial complexes and public spaces.
“We will also involve the security industry in these discussions,” he said.
Saifuddin reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining the highest level of national security in response to increasingly complex challenges.
Meanwhile, preliminary police investigations suggest that the suspect in last night’s Setia Alam shopping mall shooting was enraged after a janitor asked him to move his belongings, triggering the attack.
Yesterday, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the suspect, a local man in his 30s, was believed to be under the influence of drugs at the time.
“However, the real motive has yet to be determined,” he said after attending the 60th anniversary celebrations of Silat Cekak Pusaka Hanafi at Wisma Radio RTM alongside Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil yesterday.
Shuhaily added that Selangor police, with assistance from Bukit Aman, are actively investigating and tracking down the suspect responsible for the 10.50 pm shooting, expressing confidence that the case would be solved soon.
Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan earlier revealed that the suspect has fair skin and 11 prior records related to drug and criminal offences.
The case is being investigated under Section 3 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act 1971 and Section 307 of the Penal Code. – February 10, 2025