‘Malaysia must be prepared to tackle security challenges’
KUALA LUMPUR: Security remains a global priority, with policies taking a key form to counter the spread of terrorism and extremism.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia, just as any other country, would need to be prepared to face security challenges.
“In facing these security challenges, we need greater coordination and integration between security and law enforcement agencies at the national and international levels,” Zahid said at the soft launch of Asian Defence Services Exhibition (DSA) and International Exhibition on National Security (Natsec) Asia 2018.
Present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who is also special functions minister, and his deputies, Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed and Datuk Masir Kujat.
Zahid said the event reflected the collaboration between defence and home ministries to combat terror.
“Natsec and DSA will be in the biggest defence and security exhibition in Asia. It will showcase manufacturing and operation of products and assets from all over the world.”
Zahid hoped the exhibition would serve as a platform for industry players to showcase their cutting-edge technologies and products.
He said the event would be the perfect venue to provide intelligent solutions for security issues.
“New security technology plays an important role in dealing with security challenges. If used responsibly, it could make a difference in making the world a safer place. The event provides opportunities for participants to share their opinions and direction of debates on internal security concerning technology, procedures or policies.”
He said Malaysia’s role as a host was proof of the country’s commitment to technological growth and advancement.
Zahid also expressed hope that the Finance Ministry would cooperate with the Defence and Home Ministries to fully finance research and development efforts in defence and security.
DSA and Natsec Asia 2018 will be held from April 16 to 19 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.
The event encompasses antiterrorism, border control, biometrics and ballistics protection.
It is expected to attract more than 100 exhibitors, 350 foreign delegations from 45 countries and 42,000 trade visitors from 70 countries.
A survey by Homeland Security Research Corp forecast that the Asia-Pacific homeland security and public safety market would grow from US$123 billion (RM479 billion) to US$226 billion.
On the curfew enforced in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) since 2014, Zahid said the government had yet to end it.
He said the government did not want to compromise Sabah’s security.
“The government will not revoke the curfew. The aspect of safety is not a political agenda and it is a priority. The government, under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s leadership, is committed to addressing the security issue in the area (Esszone).”
On controversial rapper Namewee’s latest stunt, which allegedly provoked multicultural sensitivities, Zahid said he would let police investigate the matter.