RMP's Anti-Terrorism Unit to be upgraded to division level - Ahmad Zahid

The Royal Malaysia Police's (RMP) Anti-Terrorism Unit will be upgraded to a division to take on bigger responsibilities to prevent acts of terrorism from taking place in this country.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the division located at Bukit Aman would be headed by one of the most senior officers.

"The move to upgrade the anti-terrorism unit into a division is a sign of the government's concern on terrorism and the rejection terrorism incidents," Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, told reporters after attending a programme to instill the noble values of Ramadan among Home Ministry staff at the Mahmudi Mosque here last night.

Also present were International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub and Bachok UMNO division head Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin.

The ministry's staff as well as orphans and single mothers were also feted to breaking-of the-fast at the event.

Ahmad Zahid said he would be calling for a Police Commission (SPP) meeting soon to discuss the move to upgrade the anti-terrorism unit.

"I will ask SPP members to confirm the upgrade of the unit into a division," he said.

He said before this there was a division called the Anti-Terrorism Division but it became a unit four years ago.

However, he said following incidents of terrorism abroad including the latest in the centre of London, a division should be set up and headed by one of the most senior officers.

"We feel a senior officer should be placed for a holistic approach to combat terrorism and we should also do more including obtaining the cooperation of the entire community," he said.

He said he would also invite opposition parties and non-governmental organisations to be involved in effort as the prevention of terrorism was the responsibility of all parties.

"All parties should be prepared to assist police to carry out prevention and overcome the problem," he said.

At the same time, Ahmad Zahid reiterated that Malaysia strongly condemned any incidents of terrorism including the latest incident in London.

-- BERNAMA