IGP urges police to respond swiftly and safely as monsoon rains are expected to persist until March.

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 — Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) must respond proactively and efficiently to the Northeast Monsoon, which is expected to continue until March next year.

This comes after a MetMalaysia forecast indicating that the country will face five to seven episodes of heavy rain during the period, particularly in the northern and East Coast states.

“Carry out continuous monitoring and coordination to ensure assistance can be delivered to affected communities promptly and comprehensively.

“I also urge all contingents and formations to maintain optimum readiness, including ensuring sufficient manpower and assets at all times,” he said during the IGP’s monthly assembly organised by the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK) in Bukit Aman today.

He also reminded police personnel to prioritise their safety while on duty, comply with standard operating procedures to prevent unwanted incidents, and expressed appreciation for their successful operations during the 17th Sabah state election, which proceeded smoothly.

On JPJKK’s performance, Mohd Khalid said mobile patrol vehicles (MPV) and Motorcycle Patrol Units (URB) carried out over 19,000 arrests involving various criminal offences from January to October this year.

“This is a commendable achievement and reflects the department’s strong commitment to ensuring public safety,” he said.

He added that the department has strengthened its operations through new logistics assets and upgraded technology, including more than 1,600 MPVs for quicker response and over 1,100 electroshock guns to enhance enforcement and protect personnel.

The department also received 7,000 Mobile Card Acceptance Devices for real-time data checks with agencies and more than 7,000 body cameras to boost accountability and public trust. — Bernama