KUALA LUMPUR: Meticulous preparations, including aerial surveillance, are underway to ensure the highest level of security for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit on April 15-17, according to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

In a post on its official Facebook page, the police said the aerial surveillance was conducted earlier on Saturday (April 12) by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain aboard an AW139 helicopter.

“The nearly hour-long surveillance covered strategic locations, including the designated routes (for the state visit) and venues for official events.

“This is to ensure the highest level of security preparedness by the Force, through the Internal Security and Public Order Department, during the official visit, with the collaboration of various units,” read the post.

Razarudin had earlier received a briefing from Putrajaya OCPD Asst Comm Aidi Sham Mohamed at a hotel in Putrajaya, before boarding the helicopter at the Helipad, Precinct 6.

Also present were Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department chief Senior Asst Comm Khalid Saion, Bukit Aman Special Action Unit assistant commander (Operations) Supt Mohammad Khairani Khalid, and several senior officers.

Previously, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the government spokesperson, said the Cabinet viewed the visit as significant in strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in trade.

He said the visit was not only highly anticipated but also part of Malaysia’s efforts as a trading nation to strengthen trade relations with various countries, including China.- Bernama