Extra RM150mil allocated to upgrade security forces' quarters, guard posts

KULIM: A total of RM150mil in additional allocations have been approved for the repair and upgrading of quarters and security posts throughout the country, announced Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Of the amount, RM50mil would be allocated for the maintenance of stations and quarters of the Royal Malaysia Police.

A further RM45mil was approved specifically for repair, upgrading and procurement of equipment for 117 control posts of the General Operations Force (GOF), while Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) would receive RM40mil for upgrading of infrastructure and facilities.

The remaining RM15mil would be allocated for the improvement of quarters and facilities of the Prison Department.

"These allocations are on top of RM200mil development allocation for maintenance of quarters and facilities of several agencies under the Home Ministry that was announced during tabling of Budget 2023," he said during an engagement session with Police Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) at the General Operations Force (GOF) 2nd Battalion Camp in Kulim, Kedah here on Saturday (July 15).

In his speech, Anwar said the government intended to put an end to hardcore poverty in the country this year and that would include ensuring that the welfare of all security personnel under the Home Ministry was not neglected.

"Initially, I had planned to postpone the allocation to next year.

"However, after further understanding of the situation, the troubles being faced and plights of the security agencies are real," he said.

Anwar said that the total of RM350mil in maintenance allocations would ensure security agencies under the Home Ministry continue to perform and live comfortably in quarters.

Earlier, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had requested RM43.5mil for repairs of facilities and procurement for all GOF posts throughout the country.

He said recent checks have found that most of the posts were in poor condition despite the personnel still dedicated to their duties.

Also present at the session were Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.