Getting security covered: Petaling Jaya police personnel patrolling around Damansara area on Christmas Eve. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Sufficient police personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of the people during the holiday season, says Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
The Inspector-General of Police said the police conduct crime prevention patrols all year long, but this will definitely be stepped up during the holiday season.
“All departments and divisions in the police force are aware of their duties in ensuring people and their homes are safe (during the holiday season).
“We will increase patrols, especially around residential areas and commercial centres,” he told The Star yesterday.
Police units such as the Criminal Investigation Department and the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department have been tasked with increasing patrols, he said.
“We hope the public will also take safety measures in ensuring that their homes are properly secured before going back to their hometowns during the holidays,” he said.
Given that there may be lots of partying right up to New Year’s Eve, the IGP advised revellers not to go overboard.
“Avoid driving or riding while intoxicated,” he said.
He also advised businesses hosting events such as countdown parties to ensure their patrons don’t get too rowdy or cause a ruckus.
“Owners of clubs or other premises must also ensure they have proper permits and adhere to rules and regulations,” he said.
As for the borders, Razarudin said he has met several General Operations Force (GOF) brigade commanders and instructed them to boost security to prevent smuggling.
“We don’t want our borders being penetrated by smugglers ferrying contraband and drugs.
“Thus, security at the borders will be tightened,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bukit Aman Traffic and Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said 2,752 department personnel will be deployed throughout “Ops Lancar,” to be held until Jan 2.
“Ops Lancar is being conducted to address increased traffic during the festive season and year-end school holidays.
“We have also identified 140 hotspots nationwide for congestion and accidents,” he said.
Comm Mohd Yusri advised all road users to remain alert and ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before making their journey.
“We urge commercial vehicle drivers and their employers to ensure that the vehicles are properly maintained.
“The same goes for private vehicle drivers – stay alert on the road and adhere to traffic rules and regulations,” he said.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa, when contacted, said city police will make sure that festivities go on safely.
Identifying key areas within Dang Wangi police’s jurisdictions as hotspots, such as Dataran Merdeka and The Exchange TRX, he said that they will mobilise half of the entire district’s manpower during the holidays.
“We will use half of the manpower there during Christmas and New Year’s Eve. And, of course, if the situation calls for it, the other districts and the contingent headquarters will send additional assets and manpower.
“All OCPDs have been ordered to be prepared, especially at known hotspots. At the same time, we will still conduct our regular operations against vice.
“Plus, operations against drunk driving will be conducted as usual. This time of the year is normal for us and we are prepared to handle it with the available assets and manpower in Kuala Lumpur,” said Comm Rusdi.
