Give PR1MA housing quota for retired cops, says Zahid

Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will try to get a suitable quota for retiring police officers so that they can buy houses under the 1Malaysia People's Housing (PR1MA) project.

"The government has agreed (in principle) on this. Hopefully I can get a certain quota for them... I don't want my men (PDRM) to retire without houses of their own," Zahid said during a working visit to Yan district police headquarters here on Saturday.

He said although the Sungai Limau by-election has been peaceful, the police would have to be prepared until campaign ends tonight with polling on Monday.

"From the reports received, this is the best team for a by-election yet. I congratulate all the staff for working with dedication."

Zahid said he would strive to ensure that the police officers are given additional allowance for their examplary service.

"This can be realised due to the big cost savings from the budget provided for the accommodation of police officers here.

"I will request that they be given outstation allowance. Although they work 24/7 (24 hours daily, 7 days a week), the police are not given allowance. It is good if they get them.

"Since our cost is lower, the savings can be used to pay for the allowance," he said promising to extend the request to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Sungai Limau state by-election was called following the death of former Kedah menteri besar Tan Sri Azizan Abdul Razak on Sept 26.