Police may be allowed use of military hospitals

KUALA LUMPUR: The Armed Forces may allow police personnel use military hospital facilities, says Jeneral Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin.

The Armed Forces chief said he did not foresee any problem for such cooperation, adidng that the two security agencies were still discussing the matter.

"It is among the things we are considering.

"We are very optimistic on the discussion with the police force on letting their personnel use the facilities at military hospitals," he told a press conference following a courtesy visit from Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador on Thursday (July 18).

He added whether or not this happened would depend on several factors, including additional funding.

Jen Zulkifli said the Armed Forces and the police had always worked closely together, adding that he had a very fruitful discussion with the IGP.

"We have always supported efforts of the police to send their personnel and officers to further their studies at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM).

"Both agencies are looking at opportunities for police personnel to gain more knowledge at the university as well, besides the usual tertiary education," he said.

Jen Zulkifli said they also discussed closer cooperation between the agencies, including in terms of border patrol and security.

"Such cooperation also involves several areas including the Esscom (Eastern Sabah Security Command)," he said.

Meanwhile, Abdul Hamid said both agencies would forge closer ties, especially following the discussion.