We can't be '100 percent in every place' – IGP on injured fireman

The police cannot be present everywhere to prevent untoward incidents, said inspector-general of police Mohamed Fuzi Harun.

He was commenting on the attack on Fire and Rescue Department medical personnel Muhammad Adib Muhammad Kassim during this morning's riot near the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya.

“You need to understand that the police can't be 100 percent in every place.  

“[...] When people saw a window for them to act, they did it,” he told reporters after visiting Muhammad Adib at a private hospital in Subang Jaya this evening.

The 24-year-old fireman is in the intensive care unit after sustaining serious injuries when a mob dragged him out of his vehicle and assaulted him when his team responded to a distress call.

Quizzed on the reason for police not increasing the number of personnel in the area, Fuzi said more than 700 personnel were deployed but even this was not sufficient.

Meanwhile, deputy inspector-general of police Noor Rashid Ibrahim said police presence would be doubled tonight.

Fuzi also commented on a viral video showing a motorcyclist and pillion rider being attacked during the riot, which led to questions on the duo's condition.

The police chief said there were no fatalities reported.

“As of now, none have died. If anyone had died I would definitely be updated,” he added.

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