KUALA LUMPUR: The allocation for police personnel is long overdue but more funds should be allocated, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for Safe Community chairman said the RM42mil allocated in Budget 2023 to maintain and upgrade police quarters was not sufficient.
“The housing for police personnel, especially those of lower rank, has been in a dilapidated state for many years. I have been speaking about this issue as our men and women in blue should be given better accommodation,” he said.
The budget allocated for police housing is a small sum compared to the large number of police quarters around the country, he added.
“I always believe if police personnel are given decent accommodations, they will be able to serve with better spirit as they are assured that their families are living in decent homes,” he said.
While he lauded the RM431mil allocated to acquire new police assets, Lee said the needs of the policemen on the ground should be studied in greater detail.
“I suggest the police take steps to improve mental health awareness among its personnel.
“There is no doubt police work comes with tremendous stress, thus they need to be in good mental health to enable them to manage their stress as they carry out their daily duties,” he added.
Lee hoped the police will provide mental health education for their personnel.
Following the announcement of the dissolution of Parliament yesterday, Budget 2023 will be retabled after the formation of the next government.
Retired Senior Police Officers Association of Malaysia (Respa) president Datuk Meor Chek Hussien Mahayuddin also agreed the RM42mil allocation for police housing was insufficient.
“We feel that more should be done to improve the accommodation for police personnel, especially those from the lower rank.
“They are struggling given the lack of affordable accommodation, especially in big cities. We hope the government will consider addressing this pressing issue,” he said.
On another matter, he said more should be done to address the plight of veterans in Budget 2023.
Respa called for the formation of a special wing at hospitals for police veterans, he added.
