Pix by Malai Rosmah Tuah
AVILA GERALDINE
PAPAR: The police force needs an additional allocation of RM12 million to improve existing assets in Sabah, particularly in the east coast.
Federal police Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Zulkifli Abdullah said RM10 million was required to improve sea assets while the remainder would be for land assets.
“It is important to ensure all our existing assets are in place to boost security and so we can mobilise them during the upcoming general election. Therefore, we hope that the government, through the Home Ministry, will assist in channelling the additional allocation to improve assets.
“We understand that the economy is uncertain. If the full amount cannot be channelled immediately, we hope to receive half of it so our assets can be fully utilised, taking into consideration the unique situation and threats Sabah faces,” he told reporters after attending a closed-door briefing at the Sabah general operations force (GOF) headquarters in Kinarut, here.
Zulkifli said Sabah police had a number of boats, but if some of these assets cannot be used it would affect the GOF and marine unit operations, especially in the east coast.
He also appealed to the government to expedite the placing of another GOF battalion in Sabah to strengthen security.
“Even though we have five battalions (in Sabah) following the Lahad Datu intrusion, we still need more manpower. This matter had been discussed before and the force was supposed to get the 21st battalion, which will be based in Kunak, but this has not been implemented.
“So, I appeal to the government to revisit this proposal and if this is implemented, we would be able to reduce our cost of sending GOF personnel from Sarawak and the Peninsula here (on temporary basis),” he said.
On another matter, Zulkifli said GOF personnel would undergo a retraining process to improve their skills in facing today’s threats.
This, he said, included enhancing techniques in gathering and assessing intelligence and boosting collaboration with other enforcement agencies and counterparts from neighbouring countries.