PDRM taking the proactive approach in fight against terrorism

GEORGE TOWN: Police are stepping up patrols in areas where people congregate and meet as a proactive measure against terrorist activities.

Penang police chief Datuk Chuah Ghee Lye said areas where lots of people meet are usually potential targets for terror.

He said this was not only limited to the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal but also the Penang International Airport (PIA).

"We deter and defend by adding more patrols to ensure public safety," he said in a press conference yesterday when asked about rumours the Pier was a target for attacks.

Chuah also said police were keeping a close lookout for any "lone-wolf" attacks.

He said such activities were difficult to detect as these people worked alone without a network.

"Police and the community must work together to identify these people," he said, adding that safety and security should not be taken for granted.

Chuah earlier attended a Surveillance Detection and Counter Terrorism Strategies Seminar at USM here.

Also present were Deputy State Secretary Datuk Ghazali Derahman and Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) Penang committee chairman Datuk Syed Jaafar Syed Ali.

On the safety of patrons at nightclubs when the issue was raised, Chuah advised operators to establish their own security teams.

He urged security personnel guarding such places to immediately inform police of any suspicious activities.

"Installing close circuit television (CCTV) systems will also help a lot in improving security as operators can monitor their establishments," he said.