KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- With a combined allocation of...

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- With a combined allocation of RM3.7 billion under the 2010 Budget, the three branches of the security forces - the Malaysian Defence Forces (ATM), Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) - pledged to do their best to further improve their delivery system.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak when announcing the budget in the Dewan Rakyat today, said for the next fiscal year, the government was allocating RM1.9 billion for ATM, RM1 billion for RMP and RM622 million for MMEA.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that although the allocation was lower because of economic pressures, the ministry was thankful as it would help to better equip military personnel and upgrade sentry posts as outlined in the budget.

"The allocation might be smaller this time but we understand the economic pressures the country is facing," he said.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said the RM1 billion allocation would be put to good use, especially in the aspects of management, development and operations.

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"It will also help us to buy up to date crime fighting tools to boost our efforts to improve the RMP's delivery system as spelt out under its Five Year Strategic Plan," he said.

MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Mohd Amdan Kurish said the RM622 million was a big help to the agency to discharge it duties of guarding the nation's waters.

Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the RM1 billion to RMP was a big boost to help it combat crime.

"It is hoped this will also be of help to crime prevention campaigns jointly conducted by the RMP and MCPF in the interest of the public," he said.

-- BERNAMA

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