SHAH ALAM: The termination of the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) patrol duty allowance is proof that the Pakatan Harapan government is implementing ‘vindictive’ policies.
Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan also described PH cabinet ministers as “short-sighted” for doing away with constructive policies put in by the previous government.
“A number of decisions made by the ministers display the height of their arrogance,” said Mohamad today.
“It is as if all of the things implemented by us (Barisan Nasional) are bad.
“They should think hard and look into Rela’s role through a bigger scope, instead of solely from the aspect of being prudent with allowances.
“The presence of Rela members in public areas has contributed to safety even though they are not armed.”
Mohamad was commenting on a circular announcing the termination of allowances for members on patrol duty at 98 Rela community service centres, effective Sept 1.
Mohamad said the government’s move would deprive Rela members of an extra source of income.
“Of course, Rela members have jobs, but most of them rely on the allowance to support their families.
“I do not know why such a decision was made. This is a huge slap to Rela members. It is as if their services are no longer appreciated.”
The previous government had upgraded Rela to a department, and raised the duty allowance from RM6 to RM8 per hour for members and from RM7.80 to RM9.80 per hour for officers.
The Malaysian Volunteer Corps Department said today that the decision to end security patrols at Rela centres nationwide was made after a revaluation was carried out on all the department’s duties.
“Security patrolling was introduced in Jan 2017 to help ensure safety.
“This patrolling was only temporary. It was carried out at 98 Rela Centres nationwide and it involved 294 members with paid allowances.
“The department has been carrying out security patrolling voluntarily at 157 districts.”
It clarified that the letter was on the termination of security patrols and did not involve the termination of allowances.
“The termination of security patrolling doesn’t affect other duties. The other duties of the department are continuing as usual.
“It also doesn’t affect the operations of Rela centres.”