Govt hopes to increase allocation for upkeep of police quarters, says PM

IPOH: The government hopes to provide additional allocation for the repair and maintenance of housing for the police force, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said he hoped to secure the additional allocation and announce it during the tabling of Budget 2024 in October.

"I know the situation and the issues the police are facing in their quarters and barracks.

"Many of such housing require repairs, and mostly are not maintained for years.

"Probably only about 60% of the quarters and barracks of the police and the Armed Forces are deemed safe to stay in," he said in his speech during a luncheon with the General Operations Force here on Thursday (Aug 24).

In July, Anwar announced a RM150mil allocation for the police force to, among other things, refurbish old police quarters and stations and ensure the wellbeing of police personnel so that they would be able to work in a conducive and comfortable environment.

Anwar added that it was very important to provide comfortable housing for the uniformed bodies.

"They risk their lives daily to ensure that the country is in safe hands, away from danger.

"So for a start, the allocation is to merely carry out basic repair works," he added.

Anwar said he was bold enough to make the announcement on the allocation because, with a stable economy, investors were having faith to invest in the country.

"We have Elon Musk, the founder and chief executive officer of Tesla and SpaceX, agreeing to make significant investments in the country, including setting up a Malaysia office for Tesla in Cyberjaya soon.

"Then we also have Chinese automobile manufacturer Geely investing in Tanjung Malim, Perak," he added.