Malaysia Steps up Security for Asean and East Asia Summits
- By Sydny Shepard
- Nov 20, 2015
Malaysia deployed the tightest security around Kuala Lumpur in two decades as world leaders began descending for a pair of weekend summits coming just one week after the terror attacks on Paris and the on-going heightened concern over Islamist militants.
The initial posting of 4,000 security personnel was increased to 7,000, said internal security and public order department director Comm Datuk Muhammad Fuad Abu Zarim.
He added that 500 police and military personnel were stationed within Kuala Lumper Convention Centre itself, the venue of the high-level meetings.
Personal are also stationed at key locations such as KL Sentral, hotels where heads of governments are staying and the KL International Airport.
Surveillance helicopters are also circling the skies to monitor the city from above.
The increase in security measures is attributed to the leaders of 18 countries, including U.S. President Barack Obama, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, that will be attending the summits.
A security official said the security operation mounted would ensure their safety as it is the largest since the Malaysian capital hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1998.
About the Author
Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.