NST Online: Topnews
NST Online: Topnews |
| Malaysians urged to be cautious of riot-affected places Posted: 10 Aug 2011 10:34 PM PDT LONDON: In the wake of riots and looting in the United Kingdom, Malaysians visiting or living in the UK have been urged to exercise maximum caution and avoid areas that are presently characterised by rioting and violence. "We've issued a safety advisory asking Malaysians to be cautious and be aware of the present uneasy situation in the country which they should bear in mind while travelling," Datuk Zakaria Sulong, the London-based Malaysian high commissioner told Bernama. Zakaria explained that the high commission had issued a safety advisory which was different from a travel advisory.
Zakaria urged Malaysian nationals to check the high commission's website which had posted a "safety advice" for them. The advisory reads: "Following the spread of riots and violent protests in various areas in London and a few other cities in the United Kingdom, all Malaysians living in or visiting the United Kingdom are advised to exercise maximum alert and vigilance while they are in public places, especially in areas affected by the riots."
Besides the physical assault on a young Malaysian by a group of thugs who later had his belongings stolen in broad daylight, there have been no other attacks reported on Malaysians so far. "We would like to help any Malaysian national in distress," Zakaria said, adding that the mission was closely monitoring the situation in the UK.
Fear is particularly deep-seated among many Malaysian students, including those who travel to Malaysia Hall in London to offer prayers. The Malaysian community has also been shaken by widespread rioting accompanied by looting incidents. Indeed, the display windows of some of the shops in the direct proximity of Malaysia Hall had been smashed, with the contents of the shops having been emptied by rioters in a wave of frenzied violence. Even though the police arrived in time to control the situation near Malaysia Hall, the sight of the looters descending on the shops sent shivers down the spines of many Asians, including Malaysians. Meanwhile, an uneasy calm has returned to most parts of London but rioting continues in a number of other cities such as Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool. The next few days will be very crucial for the law and order situation, according to British security experts. -- BERNAMA |
| People look up to police force Posted: 10 Aug 2011 11:22 AM PDT 2011/08/11 JOHOR BARU: "They can call us what they want, but we will continue to serve and protect," said Johor police chief Datuk Mokhtar Shariff in reference to criticism of the force in its handling of the Bersih 2.0 rally in Kuala Lumpur last month. He said despite the adversity, police must continue protecting the public. "The nation's security was jeopardised by a group demanding electoral reforms last month.
"The police now have to manage people's negative perception of us," he said during the Johor police monthly assembly at the state contingent headquarters. Mokhtar said the public should realise they needed security forces.
People interviewed by the New Straits Times yesterday said the police were proficient when it came to handling riots and illegal assemblies.
"That is why our police are acknowledged as one of the best forces in the world." The police's preventive measures and professionalism during the July 9 rally did not lead to property losses. Businessman Hanizam Idrus, 36, from Ampang, said he was frustrated with the riots in London. "Here, there were no reports of serious injuries on the part of demonstrators, even though several illegal assemblies have taken place over the years." Security guard Aman Deep Singh, 24, of Kuala Lumpur, said he was shocked with what was happening in London. "I have more respect for our police force now as they are professional when it comes to handling demonstrations to ensure there is no property loss or loss of lives." Lee Kok Meng of Puchong said the police remained proactive, which was why the country was safe. Ang Huei Wian said the police had proven their ability to maintain peace in a professional manner, even in tense situations. "They can control a situation before it gets out of hand." Zacky Nelson, 24, of Sentul, said the police were well trained to handle demonstrations. "Look at London. Many buildings were burnt down and people were injured. But you hardly hear anything of that sort happening here during illegal assemblies or rallies. I have great respect for our police." Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search. |
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