Lee Lam Thye calls for enhanced measures to combat arms smuggling

KUALA LUMPUR: The recent spate of violent crimes, including two fatal shootings in the nation's capital that claimed three lives in just a few days, has sparked serious concern among Malaysians over public safety and security, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said while these incidents are believed to be isolated and do not suggest a broader threat to the city's overall safety, they have nonetheless drawn attention to a critical national issue — arms smuggling through Malaysia's porous borders.
"In response, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, who is retiring as Inspector-General of Police, has issued a directive to tighten border control measures.
"We welcome this move and fully support the IGP's initiative and urge swift implementation of the enhanced security measures,' he said when contacted on Friday (June 20).
Lee said that while no country is entirely free of crime, the presence of illegal firearms and the ease with which they may be brought into the country must be addressed decisively.
"As long as criminal tendencies exist, crime will persist. What matters is how effectively we respond,' he said.
Building on the IGP's directive, Lee proposed several key strategies to bolster national security, including the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies.
"The use of drones, thermal imaging, and other advanced tools at the nation's borders is needed to detect and deter smuggling activities.
"The authorities should also enhance collaboration with Malaysia's northern neighbour, including joint patrols and intelligence sharing to intercept illicit arms trafficking," he lamented.
Additionally, Lee also called for a review of existing laws to close loopholes related to arms smuggling, along with harsher penalties for offenders.
"Furthermore, initiatives to educate the public on the dangers of arms smuggling and to encourage reporting of suspicious activities must be increased," he added.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

New Straits Times

2 hours ago

• New Straits Times

[UPDATED] Mohd Khalid appointed IGP on contract, effective June 23

KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has consented to the appointment of Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail as the new Inspector-General of Police on a two-year contract, beginning June 23, 2025, until June 22, 2027. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced the appointment today, stating that it was made in accordance with Clauses 4 and 5 of Article 140 of the Federal Constitution, with the advice of the Prime Minister and the recommendation of the Police Force Commission. "Khalid brings with him vast experience and leadership qualities in policing and national security. "His appointment ensures continuity in leading the police (force)," Saifuddin said in a statement today. Born on April 8, 1965, in Manong, Perak, Khalid holds a Master's Degree in Comparative Laws from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). He began his career in the police force on April 5, 1987, joining the Special Branch at federal police shortly after completing his basic police training. Throughout his career, he served in various key roles both domestically and abroad, including as deputy director of Special Branch I at federal police and as Security Liaison Officer (SLO) in London, United Kingdom. "He was promoted to director of Special Branch on April 10, 2023, and retired on April 8, 2025. However, his service was extended on a contract basis from April 8, 2025, and now continues with his new appointment as IGP. "On behalf of the Madani government, I also express appreciation to the outgoing IGP, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, for his service since June 23, 2023. "We extend our deepest gratitude to Razarudin for his dedication and contributions throughout his tenure," he said, adding that the government also congratulated Khalid on his appointment and wished him every success in leading the police force. In his speech during the Handing Over of Duties Ceremony at the Police Training Centre, Saifuddin said the appointment of Khalid is a trust and a responsibility to ensure the nation's safety and security. Saifuddin said the position of IGP is not a privilege, but a solemn duty that carries immense accountability. "The role of a leader is to bring prosperity, and that must come with responsibility and accountability. "This appointment is not a reward. It is a trust and a duty placed upon Khalid as the new Inspector-General of Police to lead this respected force," he said, highlighting the expectations that come with leading the police force as the country navigates increasingly complex security challenges both domestically and abroad.

New Straits Times

2 hours ago

• New Straits Times

Police to enhance training through diploma programmes

KUALA LUMPUR: The police force is set to enhance its training doctrine and human capital development, beginning with the Basic Police Training Programme through the introduction of the Police Diploma Programme. Outgoing Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said one of the four diploma programmes, the Diploma in Police Management, has already been accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) as of May. "The remaining three diploma programmes are expected to be decided upon during the upcoming MQA meeting at the end of July," he said during his farewell address at the Handing Over of Duties ceremony at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) today. He said that to support this initiative, all lecturers at the Kuala Lumpur Police College must now possess at least a Bachelor's degree to meet the required competency standards. "In addition, the police force has established partnerships with local public institutions of higher learning, including Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and is currently in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of a holistic Cryptology Initiative. "This collaboration aims to strengthen police's capabilities in the fields of cryptography and cryptanalysis through knowledge transfer, development of specialised training modules, joint research, and the establishment of a fully equipped fintech and bitcoin research lab at UKM," said Razarudin. He also revealed that the force is in the final stages of securing two professional certification programmes in collaboration with UKM's Faculty of Economics and Management.

Malaysian Reserve

3 hours ago

• Malaysian Reserve

Mohd Khalid Ismail appointed new IGP

KUALA LUMPUR — Bukit Aman Special Branch director Datuk Mohd Khalid Ismail has been appointed as the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP), replacing Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, effective today. The handover-of-duties ceremony took place at the Kuala Lumpur Police Training Centre (Pulapol), witnessed by the Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and attended by the Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil as well as senior officers of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). Mohd Khalid, 60, has held various important positions in the PDRM Special Branch, including Chief of the Pahang Special Branch from May 25, 2018, before being appointed as the Bukit Aman Special Branch chief assistant director on Sept 6, 2021. Saifuddin Nasution in a statement today said Mohd Khalid's appointment received the consent of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia in accordance with Clauses (4) and (5) Article 140 of the Federal Constitution, upon the advice of the Prime Minister and the recommendation of the Police Force Commission. According to him, the contract appointment is for two years, starting from June 23 this year until June 22, 2027. He said Mohd Khalid was a highly experienced officer in the field of intelligence and security since he began serving in the force on April 5, 1987, when he was assigned to the Special Branch at the Bukit Aman police headquarters, after completing the General Police Training in the same year. 'Mohd Khalid also has experience serving at the Bukit Aman police headquarters, contingents and overseas, and has held key positions such as Deputy Director of Special Branch I, Bukit Aman police headquarters, and Security Liaison Officer (SLO) London, United Kingdom. 'He was promoted to the position of Special Branch director on April 10, 2023, before mandatory retirement on April 8, 2025, and his service as Special Branch director continued after retirement and he was appointed on a contract basis starting from April 8, 2025, until now,' he said. Saifuddin Nasution said that based on his extensive experience in the field of policing, Mohd Khalid possesses high competence and leadership qualities to carry on the continuity and responsibility of leading the team. Mohd Khalid, who was born in Manong, Perak on April 8, 1965, holds a Master's Degree in Comparative Laws and a Bachelor's Degree in Law (Honours) from the International Islamic University Malaysia, as well as a Diploma in Public Administration from Universiti Teknologi Mara. Saifuddin Nasution also expressed appreciation to Tan Sri Razarudin Husain for his dedicated service and contributions during his tenure as IGP since June 23, 2023. 'The MADANI government congratulates and extends its best wishes to Mohd Khalid on his appointment,' he added. — BERNAM