After the violent robbery at the Taman Mutiara MRT station last week, the transport ministry has identified higher risk MRT stations and is planning to step up security at these locations. There will also be auxiliary police patrolling train stations in plain clothes, transport minister Anthony Loke said, reported by Malay Mail.
“There are 1,300 existing auxiliary police and some will start working in plain clothes and they will start working throughout our operational hours. We take this matter very seriously and even deputy PM Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail brought his matter up during cabinet and has asked us to beef up security at the stations,” Loke told reporters yesterday.
The six MRT stations identified as hot spots for crime are Batu 11, Bukit Bintang, Taman Maluri, Kajang, Taman Pertama and Taman Mutiara – the latter was where the actual crime took place.
Loke said the ministry is planning to install additional security cameras in train stations that have car parks, besides additional lighting.
“We’ve decided to provide better lighting at these car parks especially at night. This is to offer better security for users, especially women. Datuk Seri Wan Azizah told us that the women will lose faith in using trains since the incident and we need to reassure them it’s safe.
“The special police will patrol these hotspots as long as operations are ongoing and they will offer to walk users from the parking area to the train station. Anyone who needs help or is worried about their safety can approach any uniformed officer and ask them to walk with you so that you are safe,” he added. While priority is given to ladies, men can also request for an escort, Loke added, in response to a reporter’s question.
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