The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) will make an optimum use of the RM8.8 billion allocation given to the force in the 2014 Budget to increase public safety, deputy inspector-general of police Mohd Bakri Zinin said.

"The 2014 Budget proves that all aspects of PDRM are being taken into consideration by the government. We truly appreciate it and we are thankful for the government's concern," he told Bernama.

Prime Minister Najib Razak, when tabling the 2014 Budget at the Dewan Rakyat today, announced an allocation of RM8.8 billion for PDRM and RM13.2 billion for the Armed Forces (ATM).

Meanwhile, Malaysian Ex-Police Association president Shafie Bakri said the allocation would also improve the policing service in the country.

"With the upgrading on police headquarters and staff quarters, as well as expansion of police weaponry, it is clear to me that the government is putting security as its top priority in achieving the status of a fully-developed nation by 2020," he said.
    
- Bernama