Rela to undergo transformation for bigger role

PUTRAJAYA: The Volunteers of Malaysian People, also known as Rela, will take on a larger role in assisting enforcement agencies as it undergoes a revamp, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The first immediate directive for the paramilitary brigade would be to play a more active role in assisting the police on crime prevention initiatives.

He said Rela members would be assigned to help the police with crowd control, for example, during demonstrations.

He added that they would also be stationed along with the police in crime hotspots.

The Prime Minister said Rela’s transformation would contribute more towards ensuring harmony, safety, security and peace in the country.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein pointed out that the revamp of Rela is aimed to orientate the unit in the face of contemporary challenges to ensure that its role is current.