Malaysia beefs up security surveillance for Asean summit

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Hishammuddin (centre) shakes hand with a ‘Fit4Life’ coach from United States Sports Academy (USSA) during his visit to the National Service Training Programme Transformation Pilot Project 2.0 at Camp Princess Haliza. Also seen is Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (second right). — Bernama photo

Hishammuddin (centre) shakes hand with a ‘Fit4Life’ coach from United States Sports Academy (USSA) during his visit to the National Service Training Programme Transformation Pilot Project 2.0 at Camp Princess Haliza. Also seen is Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (second right). — Bernama photo

SEPANG: Malaysia has upped its security surveillance for the 27th Asean Summit and Related Summits which begin today in Kuala Lumpur, mainly as a result of the terrorist attacks in Paris last Friday, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

The defence and home ministries have taken extra precautions to ensure the safety of the delegates and the smooth running of the meetings, he told reporters yesterday after visiting the Princess Haliza Camp for the National Service Training Programme here.

United States President Barack Obama is among the world leaders who are scheduled to attend the summits hosted by Malaysia as the Asean chair for 2015.

Hishammuddin said the two ministries would take into account what had happened in the French capital city to ensure that all guests were safe.

“Right now we have to be cautious and take precautions because terrorist attacks can occur at any time without warning.”

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) will be deploying 1,000 personnel to assist the police to ensure security in Kuala Lumpur is at its highest level during the summits.

MAF chief Gen Tan Sri Dr Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said in addition, its units in the Klang Valley had been put on standby at strategic locations.

He said MAF would also tighten border security as a precaution.

“MAF will assist the police to ensure the highest level of security…MAF’s management is in discussions (with the police) to ensure security is guaranteed,” he said.

Zulkifeli was speaking to reporters after attending the National Service Training Programme Transformation Pilot Project 2.0 at Camp Princess Haliza here yesterday. — Bernama