Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today announced a special Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) in Perak, specifically for eligible children of the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP).

Ahmad Zahid, who is also home minister, said the MRSM would be the second of its kind after the first in Kulim, Kedah.

"We have decided to build it in an area which has already been bought and the tender (for construction) is due to be issued at the end of this month.

"The state assemblyman will announce its location," he told reporters after a visit to the Tactical Base at the Kuala Kangsar parliamentary by-election here today.

Earlier in his speech, Ahmad Zahid said the announcement for the MRSM was not merely for the Kuala Kangsar by-election but was in appreciation for the children of the security forces.

"We know there is an MRSM for children of the armed forces personnel, so the children of the police must also have (one).

"We are not envious of other (security) forces but I must appreciate the children of the police," he added.

Ahmad Zahid also gave the assurance that the welfare of the police, especially members of the General Operations Force living at quarters which were in poor condition would be taken care of.

He also called for a special allowance payment to the police force on duty during the Kuala Kangsar by-election to be paid before the Hari Raya Aidilfitri, in appreciation of their efforts in ensuring the election went smoothly.

"I understand my people. That is why, if possible, pay the allowance before the end of the by-election," he said, receiving thunderous applause from the police force who were present.

A total of 1,575 police force members are involved in maintaining peace and the smooth-running of the Kuala Kangsar by-election campaign.

On the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections, Ahmad Zahid described them as the most peaceful in the history of by-elections in the country.

The Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections are held following the demise of their respective incumbents, Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad and Tan Sri Noriah Kasnon in a helicopter crash in Sebuyau, Sarawak on May 5.

Polling for both by-elections will be on June 18.

The Kuala Kangsar by-election sees a four-cornered fight between Barisan Nasional (BN), PAS, Amanah and an Independent candidate, while the Sungai Besar by-election sees a three-cornered fight between BN, PAS and Amanah.