Police get RM8b for major programmes
KUALA LUMPUR: Police will make do with the RM8.7 billion allocation under the 2017 Budget for projects and programmes, and the additional RM60 million for crime prevention programmes in cities .
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said part of the RM8.7 billion would be for major programmes and projects, including building 12 district police headquarters, VAT 69 commando training centres and the procurement of vehicles and equipment.
In addition, RM323 million had been allocated to enhance operations in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said police understood the country’s financial constraints at the moment.
“We thank the government for the allocation.
“We will make do with the allocation, manage and spend it for the benefit of the citizens, especially the RM60 million allocation for the crime prevention programmes in cities,” he said last night.
Khalid said police were also thankful to the government for incentives which would be given to civil servants as they would benefit police personnel.
The incentives include the unrecorded five-day quarantine leave for public servants whose children are ill and required to be quarantined, extending the fully paid study leave with scholarship to the support group (at present, it is only applicable to the management and professional group), loan facilities for smartphones and increasing the motorcycle loan limit from RM5,000 to RM10,000.
Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the allocation of RM60 million to prevent crime in cities was “quite reasonable, although more should be given”, adding that it would also be sufficient to increase the presence of police in neighbourhoods and public areas.
“I wish there was a bigger allocation for crime prevention programmes in cities.
“There are so many things to be done, such as providing training programmes for policemen to enhance their skills and effectiveness.”
Lee said he hoped the RM8.7 billion allocation would be put to good use to upgrade and maintain police quarters, which were in dire need of repairs.
The Defence Ministry, meanwhile, was relieved that the budget allocated to the ministry would allow it to continue carrying out projects that had been planned to safeguard the nation.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, said he would study closely the budget allocated to the ministry, as announced by the prime minister earlier.
“As defence minister, I was relieved (by what was allocated for the ministry) and I believe the money will not go to waste.
“The allocated budget is manageable.
“We will ensure, that even in the uncertain state of economy, safety and defence issues are of utmost importance.”
Najib yesterday announced the ministry would be allocated a sum of RM15.1 billion.
Some RM1.8 billion from the total amount will be used for defence asset maintenance, such as aircraft, patrol vessels, communications equipment, buildings and weaponry.
The military force will also be equipped with patrol vessels and 8x8 armoured vehicles.
In addition, a sum of RM1.3 billion is allocated for communications devices, rations and uniforms.
Armed forces veterans, with permanent disabilities of up to 80 per cent acquired during the course of their service, will be provided with a special insurgency incentive.
This is in addition to the disability pension that they are receiving.
The government has set aside RM55 million for this matter.