Police to increase volunteers to 50,000

The Police Volunteer Reserve (PVR) will be beefed up from 10,000 members to 50,000 to assist the police in combating crime, said Bukit Aman director of crime prevention and eradication Datuk Ayub Yaakob.

He said the new intake would focus on local applicants who would become the 'eyes and ears' of the police in their housing areas.

"Recruitment among local population is more effective as they understand the intricacies of the local areas and the residents better.

"The last intake was held early last year," he told reporters after presenting certificates at the close of a three-day coaching course attended by

225 teachers, army officers and policemen at the Police Training Centre here today.

Ayub said the police targeted professionals to join the PVR in the newintake as they would be able to contribute ideas and strengthen the police force.