KUALA LUMPUR: The RM7.1bil allocation for the purchase and maintenance of assets for the armed forces and police must be accompanied by adequate manpower and improved welfare for enforcement personnel, says Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
He said the allocation, under the RM22bil in Budget 2027 provided each to the Home Ministry and Defence Ministry, was important in strengthening the operational capabilities of security agencies.
Lee said many police vehicles, including patrol cars, were old and required replacement to ensure officers could carry out their duties more efficiently.
"However, the procurement of new vehicles must be accompanied by sufficient trained personnel, including drivers, to ensure the assets are used effectively," he said when contacted on Sunday (Oct 11).
He also welcomed the additional RM490mil allocated to relevant agencies for border control and security, describing it as a crucial step in combating smuggling syndicates and other illegal activities along the country's borders.
"The funding would help enforcement agencies strengthen efforts against the smuggling of drugs and other prohibited goods," he added.
Lee also called for tighter security measures at airports, stressing that passenger safety and the security of airport users must remain a priority.
He expressed support for stricter security screening at all airports, as well as mandatory drug testing for pilots and flight crew.
The recommendations followed a recent media report involving a junior pilot linked to drugs, highlighting the importance of maintaining strict safety standards in the aviation sector.
Lee said stronger enforcement and preventive measures were essential to safeguarding public confidence in air travel.
Meanwhile, he highlighted several longstanding challenges faced by police personnel, including ageing infrastructure, inadequate remuneration and limited operational resources.
He said many police stations and personnel quarters nationwide were in poor condition and required substantial maintenance and upgrading.
"The starting salaries of lower-ranking personnel, including constables, also needed to be reviewed to ensure they could cope with the rising cost of living, particularly in major urban centres," he stressed
Lee said various duty, housing and special allowances should also be reviewed to reflect current inflation and the financial demands faced by enforcement personnel.
He added that many operational vehicles, including patrol cars, motorcycles and vans, had exceeded their useful service life and were prone to breakdowns, resulting in high maintenance costs.
"Limited procurement funding had also constrained the acquisition and upgrading of information and communications technology equipment, digital investigation software and modern forensic tools," he said.
Lee said manpower shortages in certain areas had contributed to excessive workloads, while limited operational funding for fuel and communications equipment could affect the coverage and frequency of patrols.
He also pointed out that the shortage of suitable police quarters had forced some personnel to rent accommodation at market rates, placing additional pressure on their personal finances.
Delays in approving new posts could further hamper efforts to strengthen manpower in critical units, he added.
Lee warned that the combination of heavy workloads, logistical constraints and financial pressures could affect the morale, mental well-being and overall performance of enforcement personnel.
He said strengthening national security required not only investments in equipment and technology, but also sustained efforts to improve working conditions, welfare and the well-being of those tasked with protecting the public.
