Customs to review SOPs for senior officers

The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on security for senior Customs officers will be reviewed following the murder of Customs deputy director-general Datuk Shaharuddin Ibrahim, who was shot on his way to work here Friday.

Customs Director-General Datuk Seri Khazali Ahmad said the review would involve drawing new guidelines to further strengthen the SOPs on security standard for senior officers to prevent a similar incident.

"We have our own SOPs on security for our senior officers which we may have to reformulate to ensure their safety," he told reporters after attending Shaharuddin's burial at the Muslim cemetery at Precinct 20 Friday.

He said Shaharuddin's demise would not weaken the spirit of other Customs officers and personnel from continuing to carry out their duties.

In his statement, Khazali called on all quarters to remain calm and not make any speculations on Shaharuddin's murder, adding that police were investigating the case.

Meanwhile, Shaharuddin's daughter, Suhana, 34, a doctor in Kuantan who is in confinement and staying at her parents' home following the birth of her fourth child, described him as a caring father and grandfather.

She said he was firm and a disciplined man.

"There was nothing unusual about my father this morning, except that I did not have time to kiss his hands before he left home. He was like in a hurry to go to work," she added.

Shaharuddin left wife, Datin Rahimah Ibrahim, 58, Suhana, son Mohd Ahtar, 30, an architect and four grandchildren.