26/03/2025

WEDNESDAY | MAR 26, 2025

READ OUR

HERE

2

Malaysian Paper

/thesun

King lauds dedication of police force KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim has expressed appreciation to police personnel for their sacrifices and dedication in safeguarding peace and security. In conjunction with the 218th Police Day, Sultan Ibrahim, who serves as the Honorary Commissioner-in-Chief of the force, highlighted the unwavering commitment of police personnel who are on the front lines at all times. “They put their safety and lives on the line to uphold public order, enforce the law and protect the people from crime. “This duty is far from easy, yet it is carried out with unwavering dedication, courage and determination,” His Majesty said in a post on his Facebook page yesterday. “I pray to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala that all police personnel are granted strength and protection in every duty they undertake. “ Al-Fatihah for those who have passed on. May they be placed among the righteous and the martyrs. “Wishing all police personnel and veterans a memorable 218th Police Day celebration.” – Bernama 6,800 cops to ensure smooth traffic flow during Aidilfitri KUALA LUMPUR: With Hari Raya fast approaching, a force of 6,800 police personnel will be deployed nationwide from Saturday to April 3, ensuring that traffic flows smoothly during the festive period. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said all leave have been frozen, keeping officers on standby 24/7 to facilitate safe and seamless journeys for those travelling. He underscored the vital role of police in maintaining order, and urged the public to plan ahead, drive responsibly and steer clear of reckless behaviour. On border control, Saifuddin made it clear that authorities were doubling down on security, while ensuring smooth travel during peak holiday movements. “Maritime security remains another key priority. In the first week of Ramadan, the ministry launched Ops Pagar Laut, a round-the clock operation spearheaded by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and other agencies under its purview. “Festive seasons have long been a window of opportunity for smugglers and criminals who assume security measures will be lax. But let me be clear, this time they will find no such weakness. Ops Pagar Lautis in full swing at all our maritime borders.” He added that marine police and the General Operations Force are also holding the line along key border hotspots, including the Rantau Panjang-Golok stretch infamous for its 134 illegal jetties. Saifuddin said these sites had been completely shut down, with elite “Senoi Praaq” personnel from Perak deployed to bolster security. The Golok River, bordering Thailand, is a known hub for illicit activity ranging from drug smuggling and firearms trafficking to illegal immigration and the contraband trade of everything from cooking oil to livestock. “We have closed all illegal jetties following a decisive Border Security Committee meeting, which I chaired alongside multiple agencies, including the Kelantan government. “Marine police remain on high alert, monitoring coastal areas and nautical border limits under their jurisdiction.” – By QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI and HARITH KAMAL

We will not allow criminals, traitors to dictate actions: PM o Anwar commends police force for recent successes, emphasises importance of strengthening security measures

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s security would be at risk if its leadership and institutions give in to the demands of criminals and traitors, both at home and abroad, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. “If we allow threats to dictate our actions, we are essentially surrendering to criminals and betraying our duty to the nation,” he said at the 218th Police Day celebration at the Police Training Centre yesterday. He emphasised the importance of strengthening security measures, calling for advanced capabilities and additional funding to bolster preparedness. Anwar commended the police force for its progress under strong leadership, attributing its success to teamwork and decisive action. Highlighting recent successes in narcotics enforcement, he said drug-related crimes not only inflict financial losses and endanger the youth but also damage the Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI AND HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

can’t cave in to hackers’ demands.” He said corruption, smuggling, betrayal and racial or religious hostility cannot be tolerated as they undermine the country’s stability. “This is my call to the force – to stand as the pillar of national security while strengthening ties with the community.” Earlier, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain described 2024 as a challenging year for police, citing several high-profile cases that shook the nation. He said these included the arrest of an armed Israeli national in Kuala Lumpur, deadly attacks on police stations in Johor and Penang, and the rescue of women and children from alleged exploitation. Razarudin also highlighted the key achievements of police, particularly those involving the Criminal Investigation Department, which handled over 126,000 cases, achieving a resolution rate of more than 84%, while intelligence operations recorded a 95% success rate. “The Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department dismantled 245 drug syndicates, arrested 753 suspects and seized assets worth over RM388 million. “In tackling cybercrime, the Commercial Crime Investigation Department resolved online fraud cases involving losses amounting to RM1.57 billion.” He added that the Internal Security and Public Order Department solved nearly 9,500 cases, leading to over 7,000 arrests and the seizure of goods worth RM984 million. Razarudin said the Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department recorded a 5.5% increase in summonses issued totalling 4.9 million, with fines exceeding RM299 million. While acknowledging public criticism, he stressed that trust in the police force remains strong. “With over 134,000 personnel, my team and I encourage the public to help enhance our service quality and integrity through the Public Report Management System, which allows the public to report complaints involving police personnel.” “It doesn’t matter whether a mosque has stood for 50 or 100 years. If it does not meet legal requirements, it will be removed. “Some say it (temple) has been there since 2012 or even 2008. That’s fine, rather than demolish it, it should be relocated properly, following the necessary legal procedures.” He also said the mosque’s construction was approved in 2019 under a previous administration. “The approval was granted in 2019. When was it given the green light for development? 2020. When was construction approved? 2021. “Each of these decisions happened under different prime ministers. But now, the blame is placed on the current prime minister.” Last week, City Hall confirmed that a new location had been identified for the temple, ensuring that all actions align with the commitment of the Federal Constitution to religious freedom. – By QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI and HARITH KAMAL

reputation of the country. He praised enforcement teams for their swift and firm actions, urging them to maintain their momentum. “In our fight against corruption and governance issues, police and other enforcement agencies must adopt a zero tolerance approach for the next one to two years. The toughest action must be taken, regardless of rank or position.” Anwar expressed confidence that such determination would significantly improve Malaysia’s political and economic climate, emphasising that this requires strong political will from leaders, including the Cabinet and police. He cited an incident involving a cyber attack on Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd two days ago, with hackers demanding a US$10 million (RM44 million) ransom. “I was told of it, and instantly refused. We

Anwar being greeted by police personnel during the event in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN Temple management agrees to relocation

KUALA LUMPUR: The management of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in Jalan Masjid India has agreed to relocate the temple to a new site near its current location. Temple committee secretary G. Kaarthik said the agreement was reached following a discussion with the authorities on Monday regarding the new temple site. “We are grateful to the minister, the elected representatives and other authorities who helped facilitate this resolution. “The new site is located nearby, within the Jalan Masjid India area, and is suitable as an alternative location,” he said in a statement yesterday. Kaarthik said the committee is currently finalising some technical aspects with Kuala Lumpur City Hall and an official announcement would be made. Last Thursday, the media reported that discussions on the relocation of the temple on land owned by Jakel Group had been progressing smoothly between the company,

temple management and City Hall. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also confirmed that the groundbreaking ceremony for Masjid Madani at Jalan Masjid India would take place as scheduled. Speaking at the 218th Police Day celebration at Pulapol, he said the new mosque is necessary due to overcrowding at existing prayer facilities in the area. “The current mosques and prayer spaces are packed, so an additional place of worship is needed. “That’s why I will proceed with laying the foundation stone (tomorrow).” He said Malaysia upholds the rule of law and that all places of worship, regardless of faith, must comply with legal requirements. “In Lahad Datu, a mosque was torn down for not adhering to regulations. In Perak, a surau was demolished after the land was taken over by a developer and a mosque in Sentul also faced the same fate.