KUALA LUMPUR (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Malaysia will deploy more than 400 officers to tackle emergency situations, including terror attacks, ahead of the SEA Games on Saturday (Aug 19).

The Anti-Terrorism Readiness Troop will be stationed at army camps in the Klang Valley, including Sungai Besi, Wardieburn and Batu Kentonmen.

Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said: "They can be deployed at a moment's notice."

The armed forces will also be working with the police, as part of what is called Ops Kawal, to monitor and patrol 38 locations in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya throughout the Games.

The locations include Bukit Bintang, KLCC, Shah Alam Stadium and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport. More than 2,000 soldiers will be involved in the opening and closing ceremonies.

Datuk Seri Hishammuddin said he was impressed by how the armed forces were preparing for any eventuality.

After witnessing a counter-terrorism demonstration by the Anti-Terrorism Readiness Troop on Monday (Aug 14), he said: "The cooperation among the armed forces is commendable and this is important, especially when we are faced with enemies who will stop at nothing to harm us.

"The world is facing new threats and we are looking to the army to uphold the country's sovereignty and pride."

Mr Hishammuddin added that such cooperation and teamwork are crucial in ensuring that the Games run smoothly.

Both the army and police have carried out several programmes to ensure public security and safety during the 12-day sports meet.

The police have also conducted their own drills to quell any trouble during the event.

Police Inspector-General Khalid Abu Bakar said visitors, athletes and officials should be assured that the Kuala Lumpur 2017 SEA Games would go on peacefully.

About 12,000 police personnel are expected to be on duty during the event.