PJ council and assemblyman want auxiliary police team

From The Star Metro

THREE Petaling Jaya asssemblyman want the Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) request to set up its own auxiliary police team approved.

Damansara Utama assemblyman Yeo Bee Yin, Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran and Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San said there was a pressing need for extra police personnel.

They claim it was necessary based on public perception on the crime rate. They added that it was also the wish of residents to see more police patrolling the streets.

Yeo said that based on international guidelines, an additional 2,480 police officers were needed to patrol Petaling Jaya.

“The ratio should be one policeman to 250 residents.

“However, we have only one policeman to 470 residents. This is based on 2012 statistics,” she said.

She added that the city had only 1,323 police personnel to safeguard 620,000 residents.

Yeo said the council first applied for auxiliary police status in February 2009.

In March 2010, MBPJ received a letter from the Selangor Police Chief’s office rejecting the request.

In the letter, it was stated there would be an overlap of duties between the regular police force and the auxiliary police.

However, Yeo highlighted that under the Police Act 1967, Part 97, paragraphs 47 to 50, auxiliary teams were allowed.

Rajiv said the council had allocated RM4.3mil to set it up in 2010.

“We are willing to pay their salaries and handle all other matters related to the auxiliary police officers.

“We hope our appeal will be looked into,” he said.

Lau highlighted the urgency by citing a recent crime which took place in Cheras.

“A Chinese daily had reported that 10 men robbed 70 patrons in a restaurant,’’ he said.