By Noraizura Ahmad

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4  -- More sophisticated equipment for security forces, especially the Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian Armed Forces should be given priority in the government’s Budget 2021.

Criminal analyst Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar said in his observation, security forces need to be equipped with more sophisticated equipment especially when it involves border control.

“Intrusions by illegal immigrants into the country are increasing and it was time that the government procure and up grade to high tech equipment such as drones and radar that can detect incoming boats so that swift action can be taken.

“At a time when the country is facing the COVID-19 pandemic, we do not want the arrivals of illegal immigrants to make the pandemic worse, so action can be taken quickly,” he told Bernama. 

He added that the budget for national security and security forces’ preparedness are vital and require attention.

Akhbar said another thing that should be given attention is the welfare of police personnel that involves logistics, including personnel housing and payment of allowances as these issues affect morale.

“If the personnel welfare is not well taken care of, it will result in a drop in morale and will have an impact on increasing social issues.

“Maybe for a start, rental allowance in major cities should be considered according to the current rental rates because housing isn’t available for all in major cities. 

“Existing emoluments also need to be re-examined, and the personnel’s current responsibilities refined,” he said.

Meanwhile, Retired Senior Police Officers' Association of Malaysia president Tan Sri Mohd Ismail Che Rus said the government should provide special consideration to security personnel so that they can carry out their duties and responsibilities without any problems.

Their problems need to be considered from the aspects of logistics, salary and allowance issues, among others, he explained.

“If there are shortfalls in this situation, then it will definitely affect police performance,” he said.

He was, however, confident that the government would focus on the welfare of frontliners in the budget.

The government is scheduled to table Budget 2021 in Parliament this Friday.

-- BERNAMA