Sabtu, 8 Oktober 2011

Budget To Modernise National Security Forces

Through provisions in Budget 2012, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) can expect development, systematic administration and modern facilities, come next year.

Of the RM642 million allocation, RM442 million would be spent on the development of the force while the rest was for modern assets and sophisticated technology.

In the budget, the government also provides a RM3,000 one-off payment to former members of the special police force and auxiliary policemen who served during the Emergency, as well as 62,000 of their widows.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said the allocation which focused on the welfare of police personnel would also enhance the performance and motivate the force.

"This announcement is meaningful to all of us at the PDRM, for those still working and those who have retired. The special allocation of RM200 million will upgrade our facilities and amenities for a more effective and efficient service, in line with the changing times, especially in investigations and forensics," he said in a statement Friday.

Ismail said the RM442 million would be used for development projects and to improve police quarters, district police headquarters, police stations and police training centres.

"The RM3,000 one-off contribution is also appropriate as it honours the deeds and sacrifice of those who fought for the country," he said.

A former Iban tracker with the Sarawak Rangers, Datuk Temenggung Kanang Anak Langkau, 67, said the incentive also showed the government's high level of concern towards former policemen who served during the Emergency.

He said it was also seen as giving back to policemen who had struggled and put their lives on the line, besides helping those who were now weak.

"This will also ease the burden of their widows and family members, or themselves (policemen) who are weak and sustained permanent disabilities fighting with the communists," he added.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) was not forgotten in the Budget, whereby RM500 million would be given for the upgrading and maintenance of MAF quarters and camps nationwide.

Another RM50 million would be spent on special training for retired soldiers who are pensionless as they served less than 21 years. This is to enable them to pursue a business or obtain jobs in the government or private sector.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi lauded the incentive, saying the allocation was proof that the government wanted to ensure the welfare of armed forces personnel.

"Budget 2012 demonstrates the government's concern for those armed forces personnel and their families who live in shabby quarters. With the allocation, camps and quarters nationwide can be refurbished," he said when contacted by Bernama.

He added that career and entrepreneurship training for pensionless retirees would be carried out with the cooperation of the Ex-Servicemen's Affairs Corporation.

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