Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Jamil Khir Baharom today said he would propose to the Home Ministry for the police to conduct periodical patrol at residences of religious enforcement personnel.

He said the proposal would be submitted to the Home Ministry soon to ensure the safety of religious enforcement personnel.

“We understand that the Home Ministry and the police force have constraints, but the police patrol is needed for religious enforcement personnel staying outside quarters,” he told reporters after the opening of the Kelantan Syariah Court Complex at Bandar Baru Tunjung in Kota Baru.

The complex, costing RM25.8 million, was opened by the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V. Also present were the Tengku Mahkota of Kelantan, Dr Tengku Muhammad Fa-iz Petra, Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob and a panel member of the Kelantan Syariah Appeal Court, Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim.

Jamil Khir made the proposal following the shooting of Pahang Islamic Religious Department enforcement head Ahmad Raffli Ab Malek, 49, at his house in Indera Mahkota 2, Kuantan last Sunday.

According to police, Raflie Ab Malik was shot three times and died instantly in the 2pm incident.

Three suspects were believed to be involved in the shooting and they made their getaway in a white Proton Wira Aeroback car.

On a suggestion for religious enforcement personnel to be equipped with firearms, Jamil Khir said it could motivate the officers concerned in carrying their jobs, but it would be up to the Home Ministry whether to approve it or not.

- Bernama