An app to contact voluntary unit

BPS.Comm.Help users will be able to help fight crime in Penang, says Phee

GEORGE TOWN: Members of the Penang Voluntary Patrol Unit (PPS) will be armed with a mobile app called BPS.Comm.Help to fight crime once the unit has been revived.

State Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the app would act as a “panic button” for users during an emergency, with alerts sent through text messages to the users’ listed contacts and PPS members.

He said those who witnessed a crime could also upload pictures and information via the app, with assistance expected to be rendered immediately.

“Previously, it was just PPS members who were in constant communication with each other via walkie-talkie.

“With the app, everyone can be part of the emergency response team.

“They can just download the app, and be the eyes and ears of active PPS members patrolling the streets.

“We are thinking of widening the scope, with app users making direct complaints like uncollected rubbish and broken street lights to the relevant authorities,” he said.

In 2014, the PPS was declared illegal by the Home Ministry under the previous federal government as the Registrar of Societies claimed it was an “unregistered” body.

In March this year, the Federal Court reserved its decision after the Court of Appeal had ruled that PPS was lawfully set up by the Penang government.

On Monday, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, who was the former Penang chief minister, said he would appeal to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for the banned PPS to be reinstated.

Phee, who is also PPS chairman, said the app was in line with the state’s 2030 Vision although it was not a new thing.

“The app was introduced in 2016 but it did not take off.

“With the state’s Vision 2030 emphasising using technology to create a better society, the app can definitely be put to better use, instead of just an app to alert PPS members of any flash floods, crime scenes and disasters.

“We will see how it goes, either a reinstatement of PPS or to start everything afresh with a new formation,” he said.

The unit, formed in 2009 by the Penang state executive council to fight crime and help with voluntary work, has about 9,000 members.

On Aug 31, 2014, 158 PPS members were rounded up by police after taking part in the state-level National Day parade.

Phee, Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer, and former Tanjong MP Ng Wei Aik, who was then PPS deputy chairman, were also arrested.

All 158 members were released from police custody after their bail expired on Dec 1, 2014.

On PPS members with criminal records, Phee said there should not be a blanket ban on those who have repented and willing to contribute to society.

“We will vet through the applications before they are examined again by the police.

“For those with criminal records, there will be a panel to look into accepting them.

“Those who are sincere in wanting to contribute should be given a second chance,” he said.