'Don't wait to be attacked' – KL police told to stay ready with firearms

KUALA LUMPUR - Frontline police personnel have been instructed to remain prepared to use their firearms when confronted with threats to prevent incidents resulting in serious injuries, such as the recent attack in Gombak, from happening again.

The stern directive was issued by Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus in a voice recording addressed to all officers and personnel under the Kuala Lumpur police contingent.

In the recording, he instructed all frontline personnel, including members of the Motorcycle Patrol Unit (URB), investigating officers and Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) patrol units to remain on high alert while carrying out their duties.

He stressed that all personnel must be proficient in handling firearms and know how to respond when faced with life-threatening situations.

"I do not want a repeat of what happened in Gombak, where frontline personnel ended up becoming victims.

"Make sure everyone is prepared and knows how to act when faced with any threat," he said on Thursday.

It was reported that a Lance Corporal was seriously injured after being slashed with a machete by a foreign national during an incident at a residential premises in Desa Aman Puri here on Wednesday.

The attack resulted in his right wrist being severed.

Fadil also stressed that police personnel must not be slow to react or fail to act when confronted with dangerous situations, emphasising the need for adequate preparedness and training.

He instructed officers in charge at the Contingent Control Centre (CCC) to ensure the directive was communicated to all operational units and frontline personnel.