Penang police step up security for National Day celebration

GEORGE TOWN: Penang police will step up security surveillance and preparedness in facing any possibility although it has received no information on any threats in the run-up to the state’s National Day celebration today.

State police chief, Datuk Chuah Ghee Lye said police would not take it easy but would step up security precautions and control through closer monitoring and stationing of more policemen at public places, especially Padang Kota, where the National Day parade would take place today.

“I will also be going down to the parade area myself to look at the situation, and the public need not worry as police have taken early precautions including intelligence work. So far, there’s not any threat posed and people can celebrate the occasion in peace,” he said after the state police contingent’s monthly gathering, here, yesterday.

Some 5,800 participants from 88 contingents from various agencies will be in the state-level National Day parade at Padang Kota today.

Chuah said police would also be clamping down on illegal motorcycle racing, drug abuse and trafficking, pick-pocketing and traffic rule violations.

“There will also be operations to ensure the National Day eve’s celebration by revellers will not get out of hand to the extent of disturbing others, while burning of firecrackers is prohibited,” he added.

On another note, Chuah said the state crime index had recorded 3,961 cases between Jan 1 and Aug 21, this year, a drop of 384 cases or 9.7 per cent from the figure over the same period last year. — Bernama