PM: Follow procedures before going on raids

Saturday October 27, 2007

KEPALA BATAS: The deaths of two police officers during a drug raid in Kampung Desa Aman, Sungai Buloh, on Thursday could have been avoided if they had followed procedures, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

“The approach (used by the police officers) in this case was inappropriate. It (the killings) could have been avoided if it was carried out properly, with help from different police squads, probably with the use of loud hailers as well.

“To have a proper strategy, the superiors should be notified before any raid is carried out. It is vital to have a well coordinated plan before embarking on raids against suspects,” he said after opening the RM83mil Kepala Batas Hospital here yesterday.

Abdullah said the suspects were said to have been involved in drug production, as there was a laboratory in the premises.

“Those involved in this case probably knew if they are caught, and if found to be guilty, would be sentenced to death.

“Definitely they would have wanted to live, and I suppose they could have fired the shots at the policemen to escape,” he said.

He said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan had assured him that the police force would work hard to ensure those who killed the officers would be caught.

Abdullah said weaknesses should be looked into and improved as lives of the law enforcers were at stake during the raid.

“I am angry with what had happened and don’t want a repeat of such an incident where lives are unnecessarily sacrificed.”

Abdullah said he was angered by the incident, noting that the criminals had become more brazen of late.

In KUANTAN, Internal Deputy Security Minister Datuk Fu Ah Kiow said criminals are becoming more violent and they have access to firearms.

He advised the police to be always on the alert.