Molotov cocktails, burning cars in KL – but it's all part of an FRU drill

KUALA LUMPUR: The situation is grim, with rioters setting cars and tyres ablaze and throwing Molotov cocktails.

However, prompt action by the authorities restores order as water cannons are trained on protesters attacking the police line.

It was all part of an anti-riot demonstration by the police Federal Reserve Unit (FRU), with the joint participation of the Light Strike Force (LSE) and Public Order Riot Unit (PORU) at the FRU Complex here on Wednesday (Oct 26).

The training exercise consisted of various scenarios including overcoming threats to public order and curbing illegal gatherings.

The media was told during a briefing that the LSF from the relevant district police headquarters will be the first deployed at the scene of any threat to public order.

It is tasked with containing or dispersing a riot while assessing the severity of the incident.

If the protestors cannot be contained and their number increases, the PORU will be deployed next.

The FRU will only be deployed if the situation deteriorates and the protesters become more aggressive.

The FRU is equipped with the necessary manpower and assets to curb large-scale threats to public order.

A total of seven officers and 206 personnel were involved in the training exercise.

Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department deputy director Comm Datuk Khaw Kok Chin, who was on a working visit to the FRU, witnessed the exercise along with other senior officers.