KUALA LUMPUR:The deployment of the Cavalry Unit of the Federal Reserve Unit  (FRU) for patrol duty at the Malaysia-Thai border in Padang Besar, Perlis, is relevant in an effort to curb smuggling activities in the border areas of the country.

This is not the first time that a cavalry unit was deployed in the border area, as it has been stationed there since 1995, said Bukit Aman Department of Internal Security and Public Order director Datuk Seri Abd Rahim Jaafar.

He said the diverse terrain of the border areas made it suitable for the Cavalry Unit to be mobilised there, especially in areas not conducive for land transport.

“The role of the Cavalry Unit serves as a support element to the General Operations Force (PGA) by focusing on anti-smuggling measures in appropriate areas, such as on security roads with open space and housing between the Malaysia and Thai border.

"The position of members of  the Cavalry Unit,  at a height of about 10 feet when on horseback, makes it easier for  them to detect any suspicious movements from residential areas across the border," he told Bernama in Bukit Aman, here, recently.

Apart from that, he said, the Cavalry Unit also conducts patrols in public areas,  such as business locations in Padang Besar area in Perlis.

"This assignment aims to serve as an element of 'Show Off Force' and 'Omni Presence' to increase public confidence by showing the presence of security personnel in public areas," he said.

Abdul Rahim said  the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) now has more than 50 horses for deployment throughout the country. The unit is based at the FRU in Cheras.

The PDRM Cavalry  Unit was mobilised to assist in the deployment of duties at the country's border following an incident of a shootout between smugglers and two PGA members last November that left one Senoi Praaq PGA member dead and another one injured.

In another development, Abdul Rahim denied allegations that Senoi Praaq PGA members are not treated the same treatment like others.

"The question of  unequal treatment does not arise because the PGA emphasises the  spirit of loyalty while on duty or in their daily life. The PDRM leadership is always concern on matters pertaining to the welfare and career advancement of Senoi Praaq members,” he added.

Abdul Rahim said most of the members in the Senoi Praaq team are from the Orang Asli community, but there are officers and members in the battalion who are from other races, too.

“This team is indeed reserved for the Orang Asli because of their knowledge and skills in the forest. However, if a member of the Senoi Praaq can be transferred to any department (other than PDRM) based on his (academic) qualification, we will," he said.

He said the Senoi Praaq team currently had a strength of 782 members nationwide, comprising 452 people from the PGA 3rd Battalion in Bidor, Perak, and 330 members in the PGA 18th Battalion based  in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak.

-- BERNAMA