Police to increase number of Special Actions Unit personnel

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Police will expand its elite Special Actions Unit (UTK) in the face of increased responsibilities and duties.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the force was seeking to increase the number of UTK personnel to 750 in the next two years.

He said the 410 UTK personnel were not only involved in operations in Sabah’s east and west coasts, but also responsible for safeguarding the country’s dignitaries, such as the king, as well as those from other nations.

He said there was a need to increase UTK personnel’s allowance as it had been almost 10 years since their allowance was reviewed.

He said UTK personnel received a monthly allowance of between RM750 and RM900, and hoped the amount would be raised between RM1,000 and RM2,000.

Fuzi said Pakatan Harapan chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad would continue to receive UTK’s protection services as long as it was necessary.

“(Police) have only scaled down the security provided to Dr Mahathir.

“If we believe that there is a threat (to him), we will boost security.

“We will provide him the necessary security service.

“In fact, even his wife (Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali) was provided with the same protection.

“We also monitor his house,” he said after visiting the UTK headquarters at the General Operations Force’s Central Brigade Shooting Range Complex in Cheras yesterday.

In Ipoh, Bukit Aman deputy director of management (training) Deputy Commissioner Datuk T. Narenasagaran said police hoped to recruit 6,000 officers and personnel in stages, starting January.

He said this was to fill posts such as inspectors, lower ranks, auxiliary constables, Orang Asli constables and police cadets.