Khalid (left) presents a certificate of recognition to Raja Hazlan Raja Hussin of Bukit Aman contingent during the assembly. At centre is Acryl Sani. — Bernama photo
IPOH: Police have stepped up vigilance towards ensuring that the influx of 7,000 Rohingya refugees does not threaten national security, said Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.
He said this was imperative as the force did not have any records on these refugees.
“The police are extra alert during the documentation process (of the refugees) with the Immigration Department to make sure the the nation’s security will not be affected,” he told a press conference after attending an assembly of civilian staff with the police here yesterday.
Also present were Crime Prevention and Community Policing Department director Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, Perak police chief Datuk Osman Salleh and Cuepacs president Datuk Azih Muda.
Khalid said police were also enhancing security patrols in Malaysian waters in collaboration with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Royal Malaysian Navy in light of the influx of refugees from the Indian sub-continent and Myanmar.
Khalid also said the location for temporary shelters to accommodate the refugees had yet to be determined.
“We are still waiting, I think the National Security Council will hold a meeting with the relevant agencies to discuss a suitable location.
“I think the location could be in the northern region as it will be easy to move the refugees. Probably the government can consider Penang in facilitating the agencies to manage the shelters,” he said.
Commenting on the so-called terrorist group IS, Khalid stated that the police were always on high alert, saying: “Insya-Allah we are doing our best to protect our country from any violent threats and action will be taken on such attempts.”
Asked about developments on the Sabah abduction case where four armed men kidnapped a local male and female at the Ocean King restaurant in Sandakan on May 14, Khalid said: “I do not want to comment about the victims’ location or predicament. Let us handle it, for the sake of their safety.” — Bernama