KANGAR: Security forces have been given orders to shoot when faced with intruders and deemed a threat to national security, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid said if only shooting can stop intruders, the shooting is justified.
"The government has no problem with the shooting order if intruders try to enter the country," he said when commenting on a request by Navy (TLDM) chief Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar.
Abdul Aziz urged the government to issue such orders following another intrusion at the Bilabong Resort in Mabul Island, Semporna, Sabah where a marine policeman was killed and another kidnapped on Saturday.
Zahid said the kidnappers had contacted the authorities to inform that the kidnapped policeman was safe but there was no mention of a ransom or the reason for the kidnapping.
"We will introduce a number of changes in relation to the intrusions at EssCom once police take over the operations of EssCom tomorrow (Tuesday)," he said.
"We must also be proactive, not wait for someone to attack us and then react. The new procedures will include surveillance and control," he said.
He added that resort operators in Mabul Island would also be asked to instal CCTVs to record the movement of traffic in their areas and to avoid similar intrusions.
"They should spend some money for long term benefits. If such resorts are closed down, it will be a big loss to them.
"The EssCom area is about 1,700km long so we hope fishermen, boat owners and those living in water villages can cooperate with the authorities to prevent such intrusions.
"Intruders do not respect our laws so we cannot compromise their action," he said. - Bernama
Related articles:
Navy seeks permission to fire at intruders in Sabah waters
Mabul attack: Slain cop buried with full honours
Mabul attack: Gunmen identified, involved in previous kidnapping in Sabah
Mabul attack: Abducted cop is alive
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