Rela to have two training centres in Sarawak

KUCHING: The People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) will have two training centres to cater for 357,663 registered Rela members in the state.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government has approved a piece of land in Sematan, Lundu for the training centre.

“Similarly, another piece of land has also been allocated in Bekenu (Miri) for the same purpose,” he said.

“With the assistance from the government, Rela members can thus continue to serve as the second line of defence in safeguarding Sarawak.”

Abang Johari made this assurance when officiating at Rela’s 46th anniversary celebration which was attended by some 5,000 Rela members at Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya here yesterday.

The celebration was observed simultaneously in Selangor officiated by Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak and in Sabah by Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman.

Abang Johari thanked the Prime Minister for the close collaboration extended to the state in providing for Sarawak Rela.

“The state government provides the land while the federal government provides the funding. This is an important agreement between the state and federal governments under the Barisan Nasional (BN).”

At the event, Abang Johari was appointed the Honorary Deputy Commissioner of Rela. The title was presented to him by Deputy Home Minister Dato Masir Kujat.

In expressing his gratitude, Abang Johari said this was the highest honour for him and a recognition for Sarawak’s contribution in security, stability and peace.

He urged Rela members to continue safeguarding the state’s security to ensure a harmonious and peaceful environment for the people to prosper.

Earlier, state Rela director Rini Tupong revealed that the documentation for the construction of the training centre in Sematan is in the final stage and tender for the project will be called soon with the project expected to be completed in 2020.

“The government has allocated RM165 million for the project. A piece of land has been approved in Bekenu for another training centre as well,” he said. There are 357,663 registered Rela members in Sarawak and we need at least two centres to provide training to all the members,” he added, pointing out that there were 3.05 million Rela members in Malaysia.

“Since beginning of this year, Rela has initiated the 24hour community patrol service involving 12 locations in 7 districts in Sarawak,” he revealed.

Expressing gratitude to the state government for allocating RM17.25 million to the organisation last year, Rini reiterated that Rela would uphold and defend its dignity as the second line of defence in the state.

“There are certain quarters who belittle our roles as guards for wedding occasions and at parking lots only. Do not look down on us because today we do more than that.

“We too can fulfil the duty of safeguarding the security and safety of our state and country,” he assured.

The event also witnessed the presentation of Rela Digital Operation Uniforms (POD) obtained with funding of RM20 million from the state government.

Chief Minister’s wife Datin Patinggi Dato Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem and Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian were among those present.