M’sia ‘exemplary’ against bio-terror
Interpol officer impressed with readiness
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s multi- agency approach in dealing with the threat of bio-terrorism is exemplary, said Interpol specialised officer Dennis Adriao.
The officer, who is attached to Interpol’s bio-terrorism prevention unit at its headquarters in Lyon, France, said he was very impressed with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and other agencies during the threeday Project Vector: Bio-Terrorism Evidence Exploitation Workshop held at the KL International Airport and Putrajaya. “Malaysia has been a fantastic host.
“It is very good to see the police working very well with other agencies in ensuring that the authorities have the capacity to deal with any threat related to bio-terrorism,” he told reporters at the conclusion of the workshop, which started on Wednesday.
He also commended Malaysian authorities’ preparedness in the area of bio-terrorism.
“I am very impressed with PDRM personnel and other government departments working closely together to ensure the Malaysian people stay safe.
“The objective of the exercise is to assess Malaysia’s capacity in dealing with bio-terrorism smuggling and see where we can assist in capacity building.
“Interpol is always ready to assist member countries to face any threat, especially bio-terrorism,” he said.
Bukit Aman CID director Comm Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Najmuddin Mohd said the exercise was used as a platform by all the agencies involved to improve their existing standard operating procedures.
“It is also a way for PDRM and other agencies to improve multi-agency coordination during such emergencies.
“We hope such exercises can be conducted annually with Interpol’s assistance,” he said.
He added that a total of 21 personnel from various agencies including, PDRM, Immigration Department, Customs Department, Chemistry Department and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) were involved in the exercise.
He said Malaysian authorities had experience in dealing with the threat of bio-terrorism, referring to the murder of a North Korean man at KLIA2 last year.
“We hope this exercise will ensure our preparedness is always at a high level,” he said.
Among others present at the press conference were Bukit Aman deputy CID director Deputy Comm Datuk Raja Shahrom Raja Abdullah, Bukit Aman deputy management director Deputy Comm Datuk T. Narenasagaran and Interpol officer Zoran Sandev.