IPOH: Any quarters intending to establish a police station in a settlement must first consult with the police.
Perak police chief Datuk Azizi Mat Aris said several factors needed to be considered before setting up one, such as the staffing for the police station, and not just the facilities being developed.
"We need to consider many factors when establishing a police station. They must consult with the police to request staffing.
"It can't be based solely on the physical building of the police station and then asking the police to come there.
"There are specific procedures involving staffing that need to be formalised and gazetted. It is also necessary to consider the workload and responsibilities related to combatting crime in the area," he said at a press conference here today.
Azizi was commenting on the status of the police station at the Orang Asli One-Stop Center (OAOSC) in Bawong, Kampung Bawong, Sungai Siput, which had yet to operate despite the construction being completed over a year ago.
He said the construction of the police station at the OAOSC Bawong was managed by the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa).
However, he said the police had not seen a need for it based on the population in the area.
"The local population can still interact with the police at the nearest police station, but I will look into this matter more closely with Jakoa and the local community, and discuss the status and needs of the police station there.
"It was completed about a year ago, but we have not yet received it as an asset. Once it becomes our asset, we need to review it again.
"If every housing area establishes a police station and then expects the police to staff it, the police might not have enough time to fulfil their duties. So we need to consider all aspects of this matter," he said.
The nearest police station to Kampung Bawong is about 60km one way, or 120 km round trip, which is the Simpang Jalong Police Station.
The construction of the police station at the OAOSC Bawong would reduce the distance and travel time for residents or visitors who need to deal with the police, as it is about 38km one way from Kampung Bersah, Pos Kuala Mu.