Toll Free Numbers are Aiding in Terror Crackdown

By: Muhammad Al-Harbi • Arab News Staff

DAMMAM, 22 July 2003 — The Interior Ministry has said the toll free telephone line set up to allow citizens to provide security information played a productive role in cracking down on suspected terrorists.

Dr. Saoud Al-Mosaybeeh, head of the public relations department at the ministry, told Arab News yesterday operators received hundreds of calls, some with useful information. “Many of the callers are Saudis, but expatriates are also cooperating in a very positive way,” he said. He added that security officials frequently acted on the information. “All the calls are treated very seriously,” he said. Al-Mosaybeeh said the calls the ministry received had helped the war on terror in the Kingdom. “Citizens and expatriates have proved that they are all security officers, as Prince Naif has emphasized repeatedly.” Al-Mosaybeeh told Saudis, expatriates and visitors not to hesitate in calling the number if they have any suspicion about people’s behavior. “The caller will not be negatively affected at all; he will be welcomed and appreciated,” he added.

He said people appreciated that checkpoints around the Kingdom were set up for their own safety and accepted this temporary inconvenience. “People, especially drivers, support our policemen and often encourage them to do their best for the security of Saudi Arabia. They understand that these things are done for their safety,” he said. The toll-free number is 800-124-7770.