POLICE TAKE CHARGE OF SECURITY AT THREE AIRPORTS FROM WEDNESDAY

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Security control at Malaysia's three
international airports, namely northern state of Penang, East Malaysia states of
Sabah and Sarawak, would come under the purview of the police, starting 8am
Wednesday to raise the safety standards at all the three airports.

Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan said the General Operation Force
(PGA) from Sabah, Sarawak and North Brigade Battalion would commence duty
at the Bayan Lepas International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport
and Kuching International Airport, replacing the Malaysia Airport Berhad's
Auxillary Police.

"The focus will be on providing security at the International airports'
terminals and other vital installations, including the parameters," said Musa in
a statement here Tuesday.

Musa said the PGA would be tasked to prevent trespassing, treason,
terrorism
and criminal activities to ensure the safety of the building and public.

Musa said Chief Insp. Mohd Nazlan Hambali would head the operation in Kota
Kinabalu and ASP Rosdi Enai takes charge of duties in Kuching while ASP Mokhtar
Mohd Noor head's Bayan Lepas operations.

Apart from the three units stationed at the respective airports, police
would also station "Tiger Platoon" units from PGA on standby duty to counter any
crisis.

On May 15, police had also taken over security control at the Kuala Lumpur
International Airport.

Musa added that the presence of the PGA would further strengthen and
tighten
security at airports while other police units on duty at airports would continue
to serve in their respective capacities.

"Better security means safer working environment for local and foreign
airlines which will certainly help develop the economy of the country," said
Musa.