KUALA LUMPUR: Marine police are drawing up new coastal patrol zones in an effort to beef up security in the country and guard against external threats.

The threats include those posed by terrorists, illegal immigrants and drug syndicates.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said the marine police had been instructed to increase their patrols, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.

Musa said this yesterday in conjunction with celebrations to mark 50 years of being conferred the title "Royal" at the federal police headquarters here.

"We need to take strict action. Police boats will patrol coastal areas more frequently to shield the country against parties which have the intention of breaching the nation's peace and security."
He said the marine police had been instructed to identify the coastal zones in need of increased patrols so that the plan could be implemented as soon as possible.

Musa, however, declined to elaborate on the logistics of implementing the plan.

On ensuring the nation's overall security, Musa said certain units, including the general operations force, would be placed at the borders, major entry points and airports nationwide.

The elite group, called the Chemical, Biological, Radioactive and Nuclear (CBRN) unit, formed three years ago, would also play an active role in ensuring security.

He said the CBRN, which is under the command of the Federal Reserve Unit, was crucial in dealing with threats involving the four elements.

"We have seen anthrax threats in the country before. CBRN has been trained and specialised to handle such situations."

Musa also cited a sea commando unit, under the command of marine police, which was formed three years ago to deal with the threat posed by pirates and terrorists at sea.

Musa said they would look into the need to form more elite units. "We have to study the threats. The units are created according to the particular threat the country faces."