RELA plays a big role during pandemic, says PM

 By Olivia Miwil - August 29, 2020 @ 6:23pm


Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin inspecting the guard of honour mounted by Rela personnel at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah in conjunction with his two-day working visit to Sabah today. - Bernama pic

KOTA KINABALU: The federal government acknowledges the role played by the People's Volunteers Corps (RELA) in helping to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the country, said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

"Whether it is safeguarding the public order, distributing food, providing assistance, as well as ensuring that the public adheres to the standard operating procedures (SOP), these are all appreciated by the government.

"Yesterday, I announced the extension of the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) until end of the year, and I am sure RELA personnel will know what to do," he said during a meeting with about 1,500 RELA personnel at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah, here.

Present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and his deputy Jonathan Yasin as well as Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.

With the extension of the RMCO, Muhyiddin expressed hope that RELA would continue to ensure that the public follows the guidelines set by the Health Ministry.

"RELA is one of the best platforms for the government to foster unity among the people.

"It is my hope that RELA would continue to play their role in maintaining peace and harmony in the country," he said adding there are more than 3 million RELA personnel in the country, comprising people of different backgrounds.

Apart from having to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic while reviving the economy, Muhyiddin assured that the country would never let its guard down in matters pertaining to sovereignty.

Among them were the Philippines' provocation against the state, in which he assured Sabah would be defended until the last drop of blood.

"Although Sabah is still peaceful, we will continue to keep our borders safe. The Eastern Sabah Security Command will continue to operate, with the assets improved amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The Immigration department has also taken action against those coming into the state illegally and deport them."

Muhyiddin also announced a RM10 million allocation for the uniforms of Sabah RELA staff.



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