It will deploy extra manpower from different security departments to reinforce its police officers at various sports facilities and hotels. The officers and their back-ups will be able to cover more ground during security inspections and surveillance.
Lieutenant Colonel Myint Aye, the Yangon East District police chief, said: "Since September, the police have been conducting more house checks for any suspicious activities. As the SEA Games approaches, we will further enhance the security around the country.
“We welcome all the SEA Games participants. Please don't worry about your safety. We, including all the high-ranking officers, will provide full security for areas like Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw and all the sporting venues.”
The authorities are also having briefings for some 250 representatives from various hotels on what to look for when conducting security checks on their premises during the games.
Kyi Kyi May, the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism’s Yangon region manager, said: "When the SEA Games participants come to stay in Myanmar, they will... have no worries about their safety."
Major (Retd) Zaw Min Aye, a former military officer for about 20 years, said hotel staff briefings are useful for those without security knowledge and background.
He said if he were to introduce one security measure for the games, it would be to embed plain-clothes police in the crowd.
Major (Retd) Zaw, who is a hotel security manager, said this would allow for more coverage in the event of an emergency, in addition to obtaining information and feedback from the people.
Sporting venues for the upcoming SEA Games are key locations and security will be increased on the inside as well as the periphery.
Police are already making extra purchases for additional CCTV equipment as well as x-ray machines to be placed at such venues to better protect athletes as well as spectators.
They are also conducting additional training for their officers in order to enable them to react more quickly and efficiently when a problem arises.
.
