‘ Rela personnel not deployed in dangerous situations’

PUTRAJAYA: The People’s Volunteer Corps ( Rela) personnel deployed in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone ( ESSZone) are not stationed in dangerous situations, says Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.

The Deputy Home Minister said they were placed only in the second line of defence, and not in tactical operations at the front line.

“The government is well aware of the level of security and threats in ESSZone and would not blindly commission Rela personnel without taking into account all risks involved,” he told reporters at a Rela event here yesterday.

Nur Jazlan was commenting on a recent statement by Parti Warisan Sabah ( Warisan) president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie

The government is well aware of the level of security and threats in ESSZone and would not blindly commission Rela personnel without taking into account all risks involved.

Apdal who questioned the role of Rela personnel in the ESSZone.

Also present at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Inspector- General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun and Rela director- general Zulkifli Abidin.

All aspects, particularly the ability of Rela personnel and the risks involved had been discussed in detail at the ESSZone advisory board meeting on Sept 29 last year, which approved Rela involvement in assisting the zone’s security aspect, noted Nur Jazlan.

He said Rela personnel selected for deployment at the ESSZone were given training and special courses by the relevant security agencies to ensure they would be able to perform their duties well.

“They are provided with the Government Integrated Radio Network (GIRN) communication tool by the National Security Council ( MKN) while their enforcement activities are also coordinated with the police to ensure better results,” he added.

The deputy minister also dismissed Mohd Shafie’s allegation as baseless, that the RM6 million allocation and site for the construction of the second Rela training centre in Sabah, as well as Sabah Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman’s approval came only after he had voiced the matter.

He said the approval was announced by Musa during the 45th Rela anniversary celebration on Feb 11, last year, with an allocation of RM6 million to be channelled in two stages, namely, RM3 million for 2017 and RM3 million for 2018.

The location for the construction of the training centre was in the midst of being finalised, said Nur Jazlan. — Bernama

Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, Deputy Home Minister