DPM: Anti-terrorism unit to be upgraded
BACHOK: Police will be put on alert following an increase in terrorist attacks abroad.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said an anti-terrorism unit in Bukit Aman would be beefed up and led by a senior officer, as part of the country’s security enhancement drive.
He said the unit would be upgraded to a division and its personnel and officers increased.
“I will call for a meeting with the Police Commission to discuss the matter,” he said at the breaking of fast at the Mahmudi Mosque here yesterday.
It is the sixth event held under the “Penerapan Nilai-nilai Murni” since the start of Ramadan.
Zahid, who is also home minister, said he believed prevention was better than cure, adding that the upgrading of the unit would allow it to be in a better position to face terrorism.
“Preventing such crimes, however, is not only the job of security agencies. People must contribute by providing information,” he said.
“All parties, including the opposition and non-governmental organisations, must play their part.”
He said the government condemned the terrorist attack in London, which had claimed seven lives.
He said it would not tolerate such acts wherever it was carried out.
“Whenever such incidents happen, security agencies will be quick to point their finger at Muslims.
“The terrorists claimed they were avenging the people in Syria and Iraq, but there is not a single verse in the Quran and the teachings of ulama that allow such acts, especially acts of terrorism,” said Zahid.
Malaysians, he said, must be united in rejecting such actions.
“Although people in the country are of various races and religion, we all want peace.”
He presented gifts to 100 orphans, single mothers and the poor, before performing Isyak and tarawih prayers at Masjid Sultan Ismail Petra in Kota Baru.
He was accompanied by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim and Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakob.