Policing and firearms training needed for religious enforcement officers

All Islamic religious enforcement officers need to be given training in policing and handling of firearms for self-defence against any threat.

Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha said it was appropriate for them to be allowed to use firearms to defend themselves although looking after firearms would be a heavy responsibility.

He said for the safety of religious enforcement officers, this matter should be studied by all parties concerned.

He urged the respective state Islamic religious councils and state Islamic religious departments to consider this matter as religious enforcement officers were also facing risks in carrying out their duties.

"Nevertheless, this will depend on the councils and departments' capacity and preparedness as the implementation comes under the jurisdiction of the respective state religious authorities," Othman said when met at his office, here, Wednesday.

He was asked to comment on the fatal shooting of Pahang Islamic Religious Department's enforcement chief, Ahmad Raffli Ab Malek, 49, in November.

Following the incident, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom suggested that religious enforcement officers be armed when conducting operations.