MELAKA: The 2022 Budget, tabled in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, will further strengthen the country's security forces, especially the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), to face new challenges while battling the COVID-19 threat, said Home Minister, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
He said that he had held discussions with the Finance Ministry before the tabling of the 2022 Budget so that the government would give priority to the security forces, especially the PDRM, by formulating the best strategy to face any threat triggered by a pandemic.
"We want the position of the Home Ministry to be given priority because from our experience in the last year, once the tasks had been assigned, suddenly many new things occurred.
"For example, the 'Op Benteng' ... on how to guard the country's borders. In the past, we did not have a strategy for 'Op Benteng'. Now we know which parts are inadequate and where we need to add. We formulated a strategy and presented it to the Finance Ministry," he told reporters after a working visit to the Melaka police contingent headquarters today.
Also present were Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim and Melaka police chief, Datuk Abdul Majid Mohd Ali.
Hamzah said that the gazetting of four new immigration gateways and the construction of eight General Operations Force control posts, in Sabah and Sarawak, were also among the Home Ministry's new strategies, in an effort to eradicate problems at the country's borders.
"This is for the strategy of going in and out (of the country) for Malaysians and foreigners, to be given priority so that there will be no problem of people coming in and never leaving. Whether they come here as visitors or those who come to work," he said.
Yesterday, Finance Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, when tabling the Budget 2022, among other things announced that RM230 million was allocated for PDRM and Malaysian Armed Forces to look after the welfare of their personnel, and RM13 million to empower the PDRM's Sexual, Women and Children Crime Investigation Division (D11).
Meanwhile, Hamzah said that the upcoming Melaka state election will serve as a platform for PDRM to test the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for COVID-19 as the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) is still applicable.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Oct 30 2021
The 2022 Budget will further strengthen the country's security forces, especially the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), to face new challenges while battling the COVID-19 threat, said Home Minister, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin. - BERNAMA file photo
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.