Retired cops still actively engaging community

More to offer: M. Padmanathan, 64, is among the retired officers who regularly gives motivational talks at schools.

IPOH: They may not be busting crime, but members of the Perak Retired Police Officers Association are still actively serving the community through motivational talks and charitable work.

Association chairman G. Puvanesvaran, 67, said they regularly give talks at schools, mentoring young people and visiting welfare homes.

“We may have retired from the police force, but our responsibility to the community has never ended. We have the experience and knowledge, and we want to pass it on to the younger generation,” he said when met at the association’s office in Jalan Labrooy here yesterday.

Puvanesvaran said the association has conducted motivational programmes at more than 30 schools across Perak, aiming to help students make wise decisions and stay away from negative influences.

“We want children to know the difference between right and wrong.

“There are many unhealthy influences today, including bullying and other social problems, and we want to build a strong foundation in them so they can resist these pressures and stay on the right path,” said the former special branch sub-inspector.

“Many youths are influenced by what they see in movies or on social media. We explain the real-life consequences of poor decisions based on what we experienced during our years in the police force.

Puvanesvaran says plans for the association to move into its own building are in the works.

“We are prepared to answer their questions and engage with them because we have lived through many situations ourselves,” he added.

Beyond motivational programmes, Puvanesvaran said the association also engages school teachers to identify weak students so that the teachers can provide extra classes sponsored by the association.

“We want to help children who are struggling in their studies. Education can change lives, and we want to give them every opportunity to succeed.

“We are also actively involved in charitable work, such as visiting old folks’ homes and carrying out welfare activities for retired police officers and their families,” he said.

The association was formerly known as Persatuan Amal Kebajikan Dan Pembangunan Modal Insan Masyarakat India Negeri Perak (Kaavalar Iyakkam). It was established in 2018, before being renamed and registered in 2023.

Puvanesvaran said the association comprises about 280 former police officers and their spouses.

“We plan to open up our membership to retired policemen’s children,” he said, adding that the association also hopes to move into its own building soon.

“We will have a wall bearing the names and portraits of members alongside distinguished police figures. We want our children and future generations to know who came before them and what we stood for.

“Uniforms may one day fade, but the values we lived by service, sacrifice and integrity should never be forgotten. This is the legacy we hope to leave behind, ” he said.