Zahid: Police's Special Action Unit to be beefed up

The Special Action Unit (UTK) of the police force is to be beefed up with more assets and better training for the personnel, said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He noted that the purchase of assets and provision of better training beginning this year were to enhance the preparedness of the elite unit of the force in facing any security threat.

"Although the unit has been provided with assets periodically, I feel it has to be given new assets in accordance to current needs," said Zahid, who is also the home minister, after attending the 41st anniversary celebration of the unit at the Cheras Federal Reserve Unit Complex in Kuala Lumpur.

On the training, he said four countries had offered skills training abroad for police personnel, especially from the UTK.

"One of these countries is in North America, another is in Europe and two are in Asia," he told reporters, but declined to name the countries.

Zahid said that in appreciation of the UTK's years of service to the nation, the government would put up a building for the unit, the construction of which would begin this year.

“The UTK has provided excellent service for 41 years and has carved a name for itself not only in the country, but also regionally and globally.

"We know there is sadness behind the excellence... the (UTK) building is still wooden. I pledge that the UTK will get a new building this year and have new assets as well," he added.

He pointed out that besides the assets, the government and the Home Ministry were working on improving the UTK Personal Integrated Tactical System "from head to toe".

Deputy inspector-general of police (IGP) Noor Rashid Ibrahim; Department of Internal Security and Public Order, Bukit Aman, Muhammad Fuad Abu Bakar; UTK Commander Hazani Ghazali and retired IGP Mohammed Hanif Omar were also present at the event.

The UTK was set up on Jan 1, 1975 by Mohammed Hanif when he was the IGP, and has the motto "Tangkas Banteras Ganas" (Quick to Overcome Terror).

It comprises selected officers and personnel who undergo special training in tackling terrorism.

- Bernama