Muhyiddin: RM30mil for buying bodycams

 

Respected guests: Muhyiddin and IGP Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador attending the 214th Police Day celebration at Pulapol. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin says RM30mil has been allocated to acquire body-worn cameras to protect policemen and officers from slander by criminals and irresponsible parties.

The Prime Minister said he believes the morale and confidence of police personnel would be elevated during operations and duties with the use of modern and advanced devices.

“The government is aware that the police must improve its capabilities. Even if it involves additional cost to the government, we will still consider it if it is able to better equip the police force, ” he said at the 214th Police Day celebrations at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) here yesterday.

Muhyiddin said the government had never forsaken the welfare and well-being of members of the force despite the challenging economic climate.

“The government agrees to extend financial payment of RM500 to all recipients of Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Negara whether they are still in service or otherwise.

“The payment will be received by 80,000 recipients, including 40,000 of those who have retired, ” he added.

Muhyiddin also said that to check the illegal entry of foreigners more effectively, the Malaysian Border Security Agency (Aksem) had been placed under the police’s General Operations Force.

He said the move was part of efforts to restructure and strengthen border security strategy in a holistic manner.

“Our priority is to ensure the preservation of the country’s sovereignty and the safety of the rakyat.

“Aksem is tasked with ensuring border security and to curb illegal activities including trans-border crimes such as smuggling and illegal entry of foreigners, ” he said.

Muhyiddin also congratulated the police force along with other government agencies and departments for successfully safeguarding the country’s borders through various operations, including Ops Pasir and Ops Benteng.

“Even though almost all manpower in the police force was deployed for Covid-19 operations, the police managed to balance the priority of combating crime and maintaining a feel safe environment among the rakyat and ensure the country is peaceful.

“They are among the real frontliners who have worked day and night to curb the spread of Covid-19, ” he said, and urged all parties to work with the police to check any elements that threaten the nation’s sovereignty and safety. - Star