KUALA LUMPUR: The New Year celebrations in the Klang Valley and other places in the country will be closely monitored by Bukit Aman to ensure that security is maintained, says Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.
Although the police did not receive any terror threat, he said they were not taking any chances.
“The police have always been on constant vigilance, but security will be increased at certain locations in the country.
“Locations within the Klang Valley will be closely monitored. We are ready for any possibility,” he told The Star yesterday.
City police chief Comm Datuk Tajuddin Md Isa said police would increase their presence in locations where New Year celebrations will be held in the capital.
However, there was no reason for revellers to be alarmed as it was natural for police to increase their presence in locations where celebrations are held, he added.
“We have to consider the security and safety of the people,” he said.
Among the locations that were expected to have increased police presence were Dataran Merdeka, Bukit Bintang and Mont Kiara, he added.
In George Town, similar precautions would also be taken by the police during the New Year countdown celebrations and parties in Penang, said state Traffic and Public Order chief Supt Roslan Ali.
He said huge crowds were expected to converge at Gurney Drive, Persiaran Karpal Singh, Tanjung Tokong and Queensbay Mall on Penang island and Juru Auto-City in Bukit Mertajam.
“Policemen will be deployed, especially in places where big-scale celebrations are scheduled.
“We need to ensure the safety of revellers and prevent crime,” he said.
He reminded the public to park their vehicles at proper parking areas in order not to obstruct traffic flow, adding that summonses would be issued to vehicles that were parked haphazardly.
Supt Roslan advised revellers not to use snow spray on passing vehicles and public property, adding that such actions could pose a danger to others.
In Johor Baru, state Traffic Police Chief Supt Baharudin Mat Taib advised the people to be more considerate when parking their cars along the roadside during the countdown.
“There will not be any official countdown event by the state government, but we have identified Stulang and Danga Bay as the two prime areas where party-goers are expected to gather for private countdown sessions.
“We have officers on standby to assist in possible overflow of traffic at the two main areas,” he added.
