Military to use drones, UAVs to monitor citizens during MCO …

KUALA LUMPUR: Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be utilised to monitor and control the public’s movement until the end of the Movement Control Order (MCO) on March 31.

Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang said the use of the technology will facilitate the task of surveillance, allowing it to be undertaken in a broader and more comprehensive manner.

“We will utilise technology by way of drones and UAVs to undertake the task of surveillance. This is already being discussed and our local industry’s help is available on this, but the amount (of such technology) needs to be increased.

“By using such technology, we can improve our surveillance as was done by China,” he said in an interview on RTM’s Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme, this morning.

Affendi said he is confident that the Armed Forces will be able to begin deploying the drones and UAVs in a day or two.

Meanwhile, Affendi said the armed forces are prepared to mobilise more of its assets to aid police in manning roadblocks as well as managing the MCO in smaller locations.

“If necessary, we are prepared to mobilise more of our personnel,” he said.

Affendi also said that the armed forces are willing to share its medical facilities to conduct Covid-19 screening of civilians.

Commenting on the armed forces’ assignment during the MCO period, he said that they are coordinating with police to determine its personnel’s duties by taking into account locations they are posted at and the tasks required.

“We have already discussed the tasks to be undertaken by us with the police. By focusing on specific areas for starters, and the division of tasks involving our personnel.

Affendi said if the armed forces’ role requires an expansion, they are prepared to add more personnel.

“The armed forces are committed and we are dedicated to our duty to achieve the government’s mandated objectives,” he added.