Malaysia's security at the best level - Analysts

KUALA LUMPUR - The nation's security is in no way compromised and at the best level despite several unforeseen and isolated incidents such as the recent threats on sensitive locations.

This situation is a testament to the efficiency of the country's security forces, resulting in Malaysia receiving global recognition by ranking 19th out of 163 countries worldwide in the World Peace Index, garnering 1.513 points.

This achievement also places Malaysia as the second most peaceful country in the Southeast Asian region, behind Singapore.

It is not surprising that Malaysia's peace and prosperity continue to be a major draw for tourists, along with the multiple ethnicities and religions that the country boasts, leading to 5.8 million tourist arrivals in the first three months of this year.

Tourists' confidence in choosing the country as a holiday destination is expected to continue.

According to crime analyst Shahul Hamid Abdul Rahim, the concerns about the country's security level following the unfortunate incidents should not arise because organised groups did not carry out the threats.

He said the attack on the Ulu Tiram police station last Friday was perpetrated by a lone wolf, while the suspects in the attempted intrusion of Istana Negara and attempted seizure of a policeman's firearm at the Jalan Dato Keramat police station in Penang were found to have no connections with each other.

"The suspect who tried to snatch the firearm in Penang was under the influence of alcohol," he told Bernama when contacted.

Shahul Hamid said the public should have confidence in the efficiency of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in conducting investigations into such incidents and refrain from spreading unverified information about the nation's security gleaned from social media platforms and unauthorised sources.

He said these unauthorised pieces of information and speculations can cause anxiety among the public and tourists, adding that they should not be fearful in carrying out their daily activities or visiting popular spots because the authorities are always on high alert and have heightened preparedness.

Meanwhile, security and political analyst at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin, said national security is at its optimal level and is supported by existing laws.

"Acts such as the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA), Prevention of Crime Act (POCA) 1959, and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988 provide preventive powers to the authorities to prevent any threats to public order," he said.

This confidence is further strengthened by heightened security at government buildings, public areas, and critical facilities of the police force.

He noted that Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain has instructed the PDRM leadership and field personnel to initiate comprehensive measures while on duty and strictly adhere to the established guidelines and standard operating procedures.

He said in a statement yesterday that the police are taking these recent security breaches seriously, which have raised public concern, and assured that the nation's public safety remains at an optimal level.

Last Friday, two police officers were killed and another injured after being attacked by an intruder at the Ulu Tiram police station in Johor.

Police detained seven individuals, including five family members of the suspect who was shot to death during the incident. However, police confirmed that two students apprehended in connection with the case were unconditionally released yesterday.

On the same day, two men aged 29 and 37, travelling in a Perodua Kembara, were detained at Gate 3 of Istana Negara for trespassing while on Sunday, police confirmed that they received a report from Seputeh Member of Parliament Teresa Kok regarding a threatening letter she received the previous day.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail was reported as saying that the police force is investigating the recent incidents to determine whether they were random acts or part of a plan. - BERNAMA