Slow boats, ancient trucks – IGP rues marginalisation, 'begs' for funds

The police are being marginalised with regard to infrastructure and facilities, according to Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador.

He complained about the conditions at the Bukit Aman federal police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, where there is no hall to hold ceremonies, parade field and high-rise parking.

He said the police were forced to fork out their own money to organise events elsewhere and use vacant parking lots for parades.

On the same note, he noted how cars parked outside Bukit Aman were damaged by falling trees during thunderstorms.

Therefore, Abdul Hamid hoped the government would expedite the construction of a hall to accommodate 1,000 people and the high-rise carpark with 1,200 spaces.

"Compared to the Armed Forces which is equipped with advanced hospitals, universities and institutes, we, in the Royal Malaysian Police, feel (like we are) being marginalised," he said.

Airing his disappointment during a press conference in Bukit Aman today, Abdul Hamid (above) said the police are also struggling with old facilities such as its 25-year-old water cannon trucks and 42-year-old armoured vehicles.

He said the marine police boats travel as fast as 10 knots whereas traffickers used boats which can hit 30 knots.

“I urge (the government) to focus on allocating us with adequate logistical supplies under Budget 2020," he added.

The police chief said this after witnessing the passing of the baton between Bukit Aman Federal Logistics and Technology Department director Tajudin Md Isa and Rosli Ab Rahman.

Abdul Hamid said Tajudin managed to resolve some of the complaints during his tenure, such as the lack of stationery items.

Meanwhile, the police chief also urged the government to allocate funds to build a KTM Komuter station near Menara 2 of Bukit Aman along the Tanjung Malim and Senawang track.

He said this would benefit some 3,000 police personnel as well as the public.

According to Abdul Hamid, the Home Ministry has agreed with the request for the Komuter station while Transport Minister Anthony Loke has agreed in principle.

Noting that the government lacked the funding to implement all these projects, the police chief implored the Finance Ministry to channel its emergency allocation.

"I want it to be approved, I beg the government to approve it," he said. - Mkini