Zahid thanks police, GOF for efficient services
IPOH: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi paid tribute to the police and its General Operations Force (GOF) for ensuring safety and public order during the 29th Kuala Lumpur Sea Games.
Zahid, who is also home minister, said the highest security control at sports venues was one of the factors that contributed to the Malaysian contingent’s outstanding success in the Sea Games.
“A total of 25,000 policemen were deployed to control and maintain the highest level of security. We have predicted that there might be a terror attack... we could sense that. However, we conducted Tabletop Exercise (2017 Ex-Rimau) exercises before the Sea Games started to tighten security.
“Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God)... no untoward incidents happened,” he said, adding that he would like to congratulate the police and GOF for giving their best services.
Zahid said this during a gettogether with the Northern Brigade GOF and VAT 69 commandos at Ulu Kinta GOF near here yesterday.
Present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, GOF Northern Brigade commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Mohd Shahar Ibrahim and Perak police chief Datuk Hasnan Hassan.
Held from Aug 19 to 30, Malaysia emerged as the best sporting nation in Southeast Asia, topping the medal tally with 145 gold, 92 silver and 86 bronze medals. With a total count of 323 medals, this is Malaysia’s bestever finish in the history of the Sea Games.
Zahid said he promised to upgrade facilities at Ulu Kinta GOF, especially the barracks that were built 50 years ago.
“I will ensure that the barracks will be upgraded and replace old water pipes, which are the cause of water shortages in Ulu Kinta.”
He highlighted the importance of the Police Family Association’s (Perkep) role as a backbone and its incessant support to their husbands who worked as policemen.
As such, Zahid made a personal donation of RM10,000 each to the Northern Brigade Perkep, VAT 69 Commando and the Ulu Kinta GOF Training Centre.