Malaysia considers setting up federal counter-terrorism department
The Royal Malaysia Police is considering the establishment of a new federal counter-terrorism department to enhance the forces’ ability to fight terrorism, reported the New Straits Times on July 7.
Malaysia police investigate an attack scene (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Kuala Lumpur(VNA) - The Royal Malaysia Police is considering the establishment of a newfederal counter-terrorism department to enhance the forces’ ability to fightterrorism, reported the New Straits Times on July 7. The new department willbe have 500 personnel, more than double the 200 officers who are drawn fromvarious state forces by the existing special branch counter-terrorism division. These officers will investigateterror financing, carry out rehabilitation, monitor threats and the playersinvolved and engage the community to prevent radicalism. According to the NST,the new department is part of a recently announced major reshuffle at thepolice force ahead of the next general election due by August next year and theupcoming SEA Games. Thenew counter-terrorism department will be helmed by a second deputyinspector-general of police (IGP), a newly-created post. Deputy Prime MinisterAhmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Home Minister, said there is a need to have twodeputy IGPs but that the government would only make an announcement on thesecond deputy IGP after a meeting by the police commission. The Royal MalaysiaPolice currently has nine departments and an equivalent unit called SpecialBranch which is leading the counter-terrorism force.-VNA
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Malaysia police investigate an attack scene (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
