Anwar concerned over safety protocols for police following Kepong attack, says Fahmi

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said existing procedures allow police officers to take necessary action to protect themselves. — Bernama pic

By Ben Tan

First Published: Friday, 13 Nov 2026 5:23 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed concern over the safety of police officers following an incident in Kepong two days ago in which a police officer was attacked and had his right hand severed.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said existing procedures allow police officers to take necessary action to protect themselves.

He added that Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had also clarified that current protocols allow police officers to prioritise their own safety.

“The Cabinet was informed today that a seven-hour surgery to reattach the police officer’s hand at Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) was successful,” he said during a post-Cabinet media conference broadcast live today.

Fahmi, who is also the unity government spokesman, added that the Cabinet was informed that the officer was making a positive recovery.

He said the officer was also able to move several fingers on his affected hand following the reattachment operation.

“Nevertheless, the prime minister remains very concerned about the incident,” he said.

The incident occurred last Wednesday night, when Lance Corporal Thierry Rodger Pendy, 26, had his right hand severed in a machete attack by a foreign national at an apartment complex in Desa Aman Puri, Kepong.

The suspect, later identified as a Nigerian national, was armed with two machetes and had earlier attacked police officers, firefighters and Health Ministry personnel.

He was later shot dead by police at a nearby playground following a brief chase.