KUALA LUMPUR – The deployment of the cavalry unit of the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) for patrol duty at the Malaysia-Thai border in Padang Besar, Perlis, is relevant to curb smuggling activities.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Abd Rahim Jaafar said this is not the first time the unit has been deployed at the area, as it has been stationed there since 1995.
He said the diverse terrain near the border, especially in areas not conducive for land transport, makes it suitable for the team to be mobilised there.
“The role of the cavalry unit is to serve as a support element to the General Operations Force (GOF) by focusing on anti-smuggling measures in appropriate locations, such as on securing roads with open spaces and housing areas between the Malaysia and Thai border.
“The position of members of the team, at a height of about 3m when on horseback, makes it easier for them to detect any suspicious movement from residential areas across the border,” he said in Bukit Aman recently, adding that patrols are also conducted in public areas, such as the business district in Padang Besar.
“This assignment aims to serve as an element of ‘show of force’ and ‘omni presence’ to increase public confidence by displaying security personnel in public areas.”
Rahim said the Royal Malaysia Police has more than 50 horses for deployment throughout the country. The unit is based at the FRU in Cheras.
The cavalry unit has been mobilised to assist in the deployment of duties at the Malaysia-Thai border, following a shoot-out between smugglers and two GOF officers last November that left one Senoi Praaq GOF member dead and another injured. – Bernama, January 15, 2021
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