Police negotiating with PSD to relax a few terms with regards to Orang Asli intake

IPOH: The police are in negotiations with the Public Service Department to relax a few terms involving the intake of Orang Asli into the Senoi Praaq of the General Operation Force (GOF), says Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador.

The Inspector-General of Police however said this did not mean that the quality of the intake would be compromised in any way, adding that the flexibility would be in terms of restrictions to height and other physical attributes.

“The Orang Asli are generally smaller in size, and for the Senoi Praaq battalion, we need nimble and agile people who are highly skilled at tracking in the forest.

“As for education, the PMR (now PT3) is sufficient, but there are many in the battalion who have completed their SPM. We are hoping to request for a different pay scheme for them as well, ” he told reporters after closing the Orang Asli constable's basic course at the GOF headquarters here.

Abdul Hamid said the Orang Asli were interested in joining the battalion, but added that most could not be chosen due to the restrictions.

“We also have highly qualified Orang Asli personnel who hold degrees, and are currently based at the 3rd Battalion in Bidor and the 18th Battalion in Pengkalan Hulu in Perak," said Abdul Hamid.

He also said that the police's management department is also looking at a standardised programme in promoting the Orang Asli with degrees to inspectors at both the battalions.

Abdul Hamid also said that the services of the Orang Asli are not just limited to the Senoi Praaq battalion.

“We have a department head in the force in Kuala Lumpur that is Orang Asli. There is career expansion for them throughout the force as well, ” he added.