KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has urged the government to review existing security standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines to ensure the safety of the people, in light of the spike in security threats.
Party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is also Prime Minister, said the government asked all parties to increase their awareness on security matters and to re-look all relevant measures to tackle the issue.
"These include all SOPs, directives and guidelines. Some of the new measures currently being considered by the government include SOPs for public gatherings, events and travel.
"We have to assume that security threats are real, and real for all countries. Malaysia is no exception," he said after chairing the Umno Supreme Council meeting, here today.
The country, he said, faced a bigger challenge due to the openness of Malaysian society, where people are more relaxed and informal.
"As leaders of the government, when there are open houses and events, we have to greet, shake hands and take selfies with the public.
"The people can easily approach any leader and this has been our lifestyle all this while. I don't want to change this, but I only want to increase our readiness and control," said Najib. Additional reporting by Hana Naz Harun