IPOH: Bandar Seri Botani now has its own auxiliary police force to ensure the safety of its residents.
The 1,200 acre township with 5,000 houses and 20,000 people can rest assured that the peace and security of the community is guaranteed.
Federal Police Crime Prevention and Community director Datuk Rusli Ahmad said Bukit Aman approved the Pinji Botanics Sdn Bhd auxiliary police team on Apr 8, 2016.
''With 20,000 residents and 175 shops housing multiple businesses, it was about time that Bandar Seri Botani had its own auxiliary police.
'The auxiliary police are a wing of the Royal Malaysia Police, and their role is deemed highly noble, so the 16 personnel appointed at Bandar Seri Botani should be mindful of maintaining their integrity and discipline in carrying out their duties,'' Rusli said at the official launch of the force here today.
Pinji Botanics auxiliary police completed 63 days of vigorous police training at Pusat Latihan Polis Langkawi from Aug 14 to Oct 13 this year.
Pinji Botanics personnel’s authority is similar to that of regular police, within the confines of Bandar Seri Botani.
Pinji Botanics administration director Lee Chalk Hian said the management has received much positive feedback from residents.
''Before this, we used a normal security service provided by the company.
''However, we decided to upgrade the security service to auxiliary police, as auxiliary police are more disciplined, competent and more importantly, the personnel are screened and vetted by the Bukit Aman Criminal Registrar Department to ensure that they do not have any criminal record, before being absorbed into the Pinji Botanics Sdn Bhd auxiliary police force,'' Lee said.
Most of the personnel are former police, army and civil defence officers.
Resident Leng Mooi Kee, 51, said she feels safer now that she sees auxiliary police making their rounds in her area.
''Not only do we have a guard house, now, with the auxiliary police who make their rounds, I feel that my family and I do not have to worry,'' she said, adding that since she moved here 10 months ago, she has not heard of any serious cases of crime.
The initiative taken by Pinji Botanics to set up its own auxiliary police force is likely a plus for potential house buyers or investors, as security has become a major factor in selection of investments.