Police to focus on counter-terrorism division in tackling terrorist threats – IGP

KUALA LUMPUR - The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) in putting more focus on its Counter-Terrorism Division will beef up the division’s manpower to help curb terror activities, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

He said it was necessary to boost the staff capacity as the division played an important role. He however declined to reveal the current strength of the division.

He said PDRM was also looking into ways to give more autonomy to the division to carry out its tasks more effectively in combating terrorism in the country.

Meanwhile, Khalid said Daesh militant groups considered Ramadan as a holy month where they believed they would receive more divine rewards for their jihadist activities.

“That explains why we hear and see terror acts happening as what had taken place in Teheran and London as they believe they will gain more blessings during Ramadan,” he said after handing over Hari Raya goodies at the Senior Officers’ Mess in Bukit Aman, here, today.



Khalid said the police were always on the alert to thwart jihad groups from carrying out their intentions and were monitoring the movement of suspected terrorists.

On Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi upgraded PDRM ‘s Counter-Terrorism Unit to Division to take on a greater responsibility in preventing acts of terrorism from happening in the country.

He said the division would be located in Bukit Aman and headed by one of the most senior officers.

When asked to comment on reports that the arrival of Hamas leaders in Malaysia would create problems in the country, Khalid said like other nationals they were free to travel or attend meetings in this country as long as they were not a threat to the nation.

“Malaysia is an independent country and we welcome anyone who does not threaten or create problems in our country,” he said.

Yesterday, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, denied rumours that three Hamas leaders from Palestine who had been seeking refuge in Qatar, were currently in Malaysia. – Bernama

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