Cops beefing up border security during RMCO phase

The CIQ complex in Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah. - filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman will step up operations at the country’s borders and entry points during the recovery movement control order (MCO) phase, says Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador.

The Inspector-General of Police said the focus would be to prevent illegal immigrants from entering Malaysian shores.

“We will conduct more joint operations with the armed forces, Immigration Department and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency to hunt down and arrest the human smugglers, ” he said.

“Strengthening security at the country’s borders is one of our top priorities.”

Abdul Hamid said while most roadblocks would no longer be conducted, those set up along the country’s borders would still be in operation.

He added that the police would need to take a new approach during the recovery MCO phase.

Citing an example, he said the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department would place patrols at strategic locations along the highways and main roads.

“We will increase traffic enforcement operations to nab those who violate traffic laws such as speeding.

“In addition, anti-drink-driving operations codenamed Ops Mabuk will be stepped up, ” he added.

Abdul Hamid reminded the public that the compliance operation task force was still monitoring the situation on the ground.

“The task force is still enforcing the standard operating procedure, especially in public areas and commercial centres, ” he said.

He also lauded the public for their cooperation since the start of the MCO on March 18.

On Sunday, Abdul Hamid said the police would formulate new tasks following the announcement of the recovery MCO from tomorrow until Aug 31.

He said the new tasks would include traffic control as the people would take the opportunity to return to their hometowns when the interstate travel restriction is lifted.

Separately, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said a total of 386 illegal immigrants and 108 “tekong” had been detained for attempting to enter the country illegally.

The Senior Minister said the authorities had also arrested 11 human smugglers and seized 13 ships under the operation codenamed Ops Benteng since May 1.

“The government will continue to monitor and strengthen border security, especially along ‘lorong tikus’ (illegal routes), ” he said.

“Ops Benteng involves various authorities. We will take stern action against those who attempt to enter the country illegally.”