FRU will let the K-9 dogs out

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) will have its own K-9 squad, which among others, will be put to work on crowd control during riots, says the Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director.

Comm Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali said funds had already been approved to acquire 10 dogs.

“We expect the unit to be operational by early next year,” he told a press conference after officiating at the closing of a seven-week basic training course for the FRU’s cavalry unit yesterday.

Comm Hazani said the K-9 squad would strengthen the FRU.

“Having dogs for crowd control will be effective. Most people will think twice before causing trouble,” he said.

Aside from crowd control, the K-9 unit could also assist in bomb detection as well as in mitigating hostage crises, he added.

“We have also floated the idea to form a similar unit for the Special Action Unit (UTK) and Vat 69.

No horsing around: The FRU cavalry unit giving a demonstration of their abilities during the closing of the seven-week training course at the Federal Reserve Unit headquarters in Cheras. — Bernama

“We will see whether it will be feasible for both formations to have their own K-9 units,” he said.

Comm Hazani said plans were underway to diversify the role of the FRU, including to assist in natural disasters.

“We believe the FRU can assist during disasters, given their training,” he said.

On the basic training course for the FRU cavalry unit, Comm Hazani commended the 30 personnel for their hard work during the seven-week course.

“The participants rose to the challenge. Their hard work and dedication paid off,” he added.

On the recent six state elections, Comm Hazani said the polls went on without any major security incident.

He attributed this to the maturity of the candidates and party supporters.