KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — Radical ideologies and beliefs practised by militants have driven them to declare the holy month of Ramadan as an ideal time to carry out more attacks, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said.
Terrorists groups, especially the Islamic State (IS), saw this period as an ideal time, as attacks and casualties caused during this period would be more “rewarding”.
He said it was one of their missions to wage holy war during Ramadan.
“They believe they are set to receive more heavenly rewards from carrying these attacks during Ramadan,” he said.
Khalid said this, however, had not altered the stance of the police in their fight against terrorism.
“We are on constant alert to look out for possible threats. Police now need to be more vigilant in tackling these militants, and we will not be lenient in our preparation and enforcement,” he said.
Khalid said the Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division would be upgraded as more focus would be given to the unit.
He said the government, through the deputy prime minister, had said the department’s capacities and abilities were to be upgraded in the near future.
“We are looking at ways and systems to implement what will allow the division to operate more autonomously,” he said.
Earlier, Khalid officiated at the distribution of 3,864 boxes of Hari Raya goodies for those in the police force.
He said the handing over ceremony was an annual event to show appreciation towards those on duty during the festive season.
Khalid said that for the upcoming festive season, some 40,000 officers would be on standby nationwide to maintain security, including 8,000 from the traffic department.
He said leave for all traffic policemen had been frozen for the festive period, as they looked towards reducing the number of road accidents and fatalities.
