The Selangor government is pursuing its bid to set up an auxiliary police force, having sent a second letter yesterday to the Home Ministry seeking approval of the initiative.

NONEMenteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the need is urgent, given the rising rate of crime in the state and the corresponding concern of the people.

“The latest cased of two security officers being hacked to death in Damansara Perdana (last Sunday) and the (alleged) assault of the eight-month pregnant woman shows that we need an auxiliary police force in Selangor,” he said in a statement.

“Our first letter was sent last July to Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, with a copy to Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, but we have yet to receive an answer.”

Khalid said the state wants to initiate the move to curb crime as “the safety of the people is a high priority for us”.

“There is no logical reason why the federal government should turn down our bid to increase efforts in protecting public safety....

“Our intention is not to take over the duties of the police force, but to assist them in their daily routine including carrying out crime-prevention patrols.”

The state government had earlier applied to the Home Ministry to set up an auxiliary police force under the supervision of the Petaling Jaya City Council, but the request was rejected on the ground that the police presence is sufficient for current needs.