KUALA LUMPUR: The two policemen involved in a fatal shooting with drug smugglers at the Malaysia-Thai border on Tuesday have been awarded the Pingat Gagah Berani (PGB), Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said to mark the services and sacrifices of the officers involved, the government would like to thank the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for consenting to the awarding of the PGB to both officers.
They were also promoted to the rank of sergeant.
This comes after Corporal Baharuddin Ramli, 54, was killed while his colleague Corporal Norihan Tari, 39, was severely injured after Tuesday morning’s shootout.
The clash was triggered after they chanced upon 13 or more smugglers during intelligence gathering rounds near the Border Wall’s TS9 control post in Padang Besar.
Both men were from the 3rd Battalion (Senoi Praaq) Northern Brigade of the GOF.
Hamzah said the police have caught 19 people linked to the case so far, comprising 15 Malaysians and four Thais.
“The ministry is drafting a comprehensive strategic plan to empower border controls.
“Apart from the procurement of assets such as drones, armoured personnel carriers, night vision goggles, GPS trackers and other equipment, the ministry feels the preparedness and abilities of those stationed at the borders need to be boosted, “ he said in reply to a question from Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai) on the incident.
Hamzah said the government will not compromise with anyone on this and will take stern action against those involved.
He said training and strategic collaboration between local and foreign agencies would be stepped up.
