KUCHING: Police will carry out a detailed study to come up with a standard operating procedure (SOP) for security personnel in Sabah to shoot at intruders.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the safety aspects must be looked into in order to shoot on sight.
“This is because we know that there are also water traders and villagers in the area.
"So we will look at a suitable SOP which we will then issue to the security forces on duty in the area,” he told reporters during a breaking-of-fast meal with Home Ministry staff here.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had said that a clear SOP must be in place before security forces are given authority to shoot on sight.
On Monday, the Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar had asked for security forces to be given the power to shoot at any suspicious targets encroaching Sabah waters.
Khalid also said police had been in contact with the Filipino gunmen who had abducted Kons Zakiah Aleip but declined to give any details.
“It’s better not to discuss this openly for the safety of the victim,” he said when asked if any ransom demands had been made.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), which came under police command yesterday, would ensure that whatever action it takes is based on established SOPs.
He urged the people to do their part to help maintain security in the area.
“I hope Esscom will be supported by the local community, including Filipino immigrants whether they are permanent residents, temporary residents or without proper documents.
“We are aware that some of them are giving information to intruders and we will take stern action against them,” he said.
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