The rising number of areas in Kelantan placed under the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) has led to a manpower shortage for state police.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Shafien Mamat said state police is facing manpower issue due to the many areas under EMCO, which require police presence.
He said two more sub-districts in Kelantan will be placed under EMCO come midnight.
The addition of the Kampung Tok Sadang sub-district in Kuala Krai and Kampung Berlian in Tumpat, brings the number of EMCO areas in the state to 32.
He said more than 400 personnel from various agencies have been deployed to the EMCO areas.
“Apart from police personnel, others include those from the army, the Civil Defence Force and the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela).
“A total of 397 personnel have been deployed to 30 EMCO localities. Twenty more personnel will be manning the two new EMCO areas beginning midnight tonight,” he said speaking to reporters after attending the virtual launch of the ‘Amanita’ all-women police squad patrol at the Kuala Krai Central Park here today.
Shafien said state police had submitted a request for additional personnel from Bukit Aman.
“Apart from being on duty at the EMCO areas, our policemen also man the 45 roadblocks set up statewide.
“Due to this, we need more backup teams such as from the army, the General Operations Force and Rela,” he said.
Shafien, however, could not disclose the exact figure needed by the contingent.
“If possible, the number must be enough to cope with the increasing number of tasks, especially in interior areas like Gua Musang,” he said.
SOURCE: NST
