THE government’s decision to repair dilapidated police quarters nationwide is timely; in fact, it is long overdue.
I have been championing police welfare and wellbeing for years. Our police force is dependable and loyal. They risk their lives for the peace and safety of the people.
When I visited police stations and barracks, I saw some were in a sorry state and in need of repairs.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said recently the Finance Ministry would provide allocations to repair police quarters. He also said the welfare of police personnel was not satisfactory.
The government should provide an allocation in the national budget to repair and maintain facilities, including police stations and quarters. It must ensure that policemen work in a conducive environment.
The families of police personnel should live in decent homes. I learnt that some policemen had to fork out their money to repair their quarters.
I’m concerned about their welfare and always remind the government of it, especially low-ranked staff who find it difficult to cope due to the high cost of living in urban areas.
It is time the government reviewed their salaries and benefits.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye
Senior vice-chairman, Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation