JOHOR BARU: Johor police activated all 13 district control centres yesterday to monitor the worsening haze, while making face masks compulsory for personnel on field duty.
Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the move followed the activation of the state disaster management committee to coordinate efforts with the state government to address the haze.
He said the district control centres would continuously monitor conditions in their respective areas.
Despite the haze, traffic control, mobile patrol vehicle operations and motorcycle patrols would continue as scheduled to safeguard public safety and order.
However, all district police chiefs had been instructed to ensure personnel wore face masks and monitored their health. Those experiencing health problems would be exempted from field duties.
"We cannot reduce duties involving public safety and order. Traffic control, patrol cars and motorcycle patrols will continue according to schedule.
"We will provide masks to all personnel and make wearing them compulsory. Those who develop health problems will be excused from field duties," he told a press conference after the Johor police contingent's monthly assembly at its headquarters today.
Rahaman said police were concerned that worsening air pollution could put personnel at risk while operational demands remained unchanged.
So far, there had been no reports of policemen suffering serious or chronic health problems due to the haze, he said.
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