Cops to beef up elite units to handle terrorism
IPOH: The police will strengthen the General Operations Force, specifically the VAT 69 commando unit and Special Action Unit, in order to handle terrorist threats more effectively.
Comm Datuk Seri Zulkifli Abdullah, the Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director, said the Inspector-General of Police has agreed to fill around 100 vacancies in VAT 69 and 50 in the Special Action Unit.
“Together with the Special Branch, we have been obtaining important information that enabled us to take effective action against militant groups such as the Islamic State.
“This approval will help strengthen our elite squads so that we are always ready to deal with threats,” he told reporters after attending the 48th anniversary of the VAT 69 commando unit here yesterday.
Comm Zulkifli said the force had also set up a new Intelligence and Special Investigations division responsible for collecting and processing information on a range of threats.
“Apart from terrorist threats, it will also focus on cross-border crimes that involve the smuggling of drugs, cigarettes, firearms, and even illegal immigrants.
“The intelligence gathered will allow our elite VAT 69 and Special Action Unit to act effectively against these lawbreakers.
“We can expect the number of arrests and seizures to increase once the division is fully operational,” he said.
Comm Zulkifli added the new division’s role may be expanded.
“Once everything has been set in motion, the safety conditions at our borders – both land and sea – will be improved,” he said.
Comm Zulkifli said the police would need to do more aggressive recruiting for the elite squads.
“The job requires great physical and mental resilience just to pass the training.
“I hope that by getting more students involved in our activities, we will be able to attract more applicants,” he said.