By Amirul Mohd Sajadi
KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 -- Malaysia enjoys warm diplomatic relations with several nations around the world as evidenced by the presence of 103 embassies and high commissions in the country.
As most of the embassies and consulates are located in Kuala Lumpur, the police especially those at the Wangsa Maju district police headquarters, have a crucial role in the safety and protection of the foreign missions.
Wangsa Maju district police chief Supt Rajab Ahad Ismail said as 52 of the consulates and embassies are within the township, it is the duty of his men to provide them safety and protection.
“In addition to the embassy and consulate offices, we also monitor 54 ambassadors’ residences and important assets as they come under the jurisdiction of Wangsa Maju police headquarters (IPD).
“Other than setting up a mobile police station in front of each embassy, we also provide a special patrol unit that will conduct 24-hour monitoring of their premises. It is important for the police to always be on guard as this will reflect the image of our country, ” he told Bernama when met recently.
Rajab said throughout last year, only one security threat was recorded among the foreign embassies in Malaysia.
“Last August, there was a report by an embassy of a bomb threat from an unknown individual. However, no suspicious object was found in the area.
“We also ensure security measures are taken at embassies of certain countries when protests are being held or memorandums are being delivered to them,” he said.
Apart from taking care of the foreign missions, it is the responsibility of the Wangsa Maju IPD to ensure the safety of 300,000 residents in the district, Rajab added.
Our main focus are the Jalan Ampang, Jalan Tun Razak, Keramat, Taman Melati, Wangsa Maju, Setiawangsa, Melawati, Pudu and Kampung Pandan areas.
“Wangsa Maju is developing at a fast pace as seen in the development of new schools, new residential areas and shopping centres. Such facilities and amenities have attracted more people to reside in this area.
“As we had been conducting various crime prevention activities and patrols along with the local community, the crime rates have declined steadily,” he said.
To strengthen security, including round-the-clock patrols, at the embassies, ambassadors' residences, and homes of other important figures in the district, he hoped the number of police personnel in the district could be increased as currently the IPD has a manpower of 730.
-- BERNAMA
