He said he reviewed the situation and instructed his men to remove the barbed wire which was put up at the staircase of Block C of the Kampung Baru Air Panas low-cost flats here, according to Malaysiakini.

The barbed wire had been put up by security personnel as part of the implementation of EMCO in 14 Kuala Lumpur localities.

Police had said the setting up of the barbed wire was decided during a coordination meeting on the EMCO which was also attended by the fire and rescue department.

Wangsa Maju district police chief Ashari Abu Samah, in a statement after questions were raised about the barbed wire, said that residents of the flats could use other routes to exit the building in the event of an emergency.

He said police and the Malaysian Armed Forces always took precautions and were prepared for any eventuality.

There was anger and confusion among the residents, who were worried for their safety in case of an emergency when photographs showing armed forces personnel installing barbed wire along the staircase went viral today, he added.

“In the event of an emergency, the armed forces can remove the barbed wire quickly and we are always monitoring the staircase,” he said.

He said police always prioritised the safety and well-being of the community, adding that anyone with inquiries could contact the Kuala Lumpur police hotline at 03-2115-9999 or police stations nearby.