Sarawak has over 354,600 Rela members — Masir
SIBU: Sarawak currently has 354,694 People’s Volunteer Corps ( Rela) members to assist in security matters in 33 districts, according to Deputy Home Minister Datuk Masir Kujat who pointed out that 210,626 of t hem are men.
The three million- strong Rela in the nation work hand-in hand with the police to enhance security and prevent trespassing, he added.
“There are 354,694 Rela members in Sarawak and that number is based on the 33 districts. Rela are the eyes an dear soft he police -helping to report unhealthy activities to the authority.
“I yearn for more members of the public to join Rela as anything can happen in terms of security, while village sand long houses are advised to set up a Rela unit to enhance security and prevent any unhealthy activities like drug abuse,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.
The Sri Aman MP was asked on Rela’s strength in the state and whether longhouses and villages should set up Rela units.
Tel an gU san assembly man Dennis Ngau recently suggested that chieftains in longhouses in his constituency that are yet to have a Rela platoon to consider forming one soon.
On this, Masir reiterated: “Of course, we encourage more people to join Rela because when Rela members are around, at least they can assist in looking after our security in respective areas. We never know when those with different motives may come or intrude into our areas.”
Touching on the benefits of joining Rela, he said this included being given training, even on weapons handling.
Other benefits include free uniform, free membership, free training at training centres, training allowance, insurance scheme, free treatment and ward facilities for members involved in accident when on duty.