Saifuddin Nasution Urges PDRM To Refine Procedures, Border Fuel Station Deployment

PUTRAJAYA, April 13 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have been urged to refine their working methods and the deployment of personnel at petrol stations near the country’s borders, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He said that as the directive on the placement of personnel is still new, the PDRM needs to focus on strengthening its capabilities by implementing clear standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“For now, as the (Cabinet) decision was only made last week, the police will need time to organise their movements before deploying teams to take on this additional responsibility as instructed by the Cabinet.

“We measure according to our capabilities with clear SOPs so that personnel assigned are not unclear about their duties. First, define what the assignment entails, which laws will be applied, and which units will be deployed. That I leave to the police,” he said at the ministry’s monthly assembly here today.

The Cabinet recently agreed to a proposal to station police personnel at petrol stations to enhance monitoring and enforcement, following the increased risk of fuel leakages due to the global energy crisis.

This is an expansion of the static deployment of enforcement officers from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, which has been implemented since March 20.

On another matter, he also directed immediate improvements to facilities for security personnel stationed at border areas after finding existing conditions unsatisfactory.

He said some control posts and rest areas were in poor and uncomfortable condition, despite the crucial role played by personnel in curbing smuggling activities.

“We will upgrade them as we did with the Wang Kelian post. The cost is not high. We will expedite this, so there is a clear sign that leadership at the Home Ministry cares and that simple matters like this are addressed promptly,” he said. 

-- BERNAMA