MARANG: The Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) will use sniffer dogs from the K9 Unit when deployed to riot zones in the future.
Federal police Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazal said FRU have been given the green light to acquire 10 "riot dogs" for the purpose of maintaining order in an emergency situation.
He said discussions have already been held with FRU commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Mohd Said Ibrahim to coordinate the standard operating procedures (SOP) and also determine the scope of tasks involving riot dogs in maintaining peace.
"Yesterday, the Logistics and Technology Department informed us that approval has been given for FRU to have 10 K9 riot dogs.
"It is true that we need dogs for riot assignments and also to maintain the peace because it is human nature to feel fear when faced with fierce dogs.
"In fact, people will think twice about doing something bad," he said after closing the basic FRU course and basic horse riding course series 1/2023 at FRU Unit 6, Wakaf Tapai.
Also present was Terengganu police chief Datuk Rohaimi Md Isa.
In the meantime, Hazani dismissed the notion that presently, the existence of FRU was irrelevant.
He said besides controlling and dispersing riots at assembly zones, the role of FRU has also been extended to assisting flood victims and border control with the use of horses.
"Since 2021, the FRU has diversified its role by focusing on offering post-flood aid like cleaning of premises including homes, schools, and places of worship, irrespective of race or religion.
"In fact, we have already deployed our horse unit to the north and in Kelantan to carry out safety patrols and gather intelligence related to smuggling," he added. --Bernama