Kota Kinabalu: There is a high demand for Auxiliary Policemen as they command more respect than security guards.
Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department Director Datuk Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad said the Royal Malaysian Police are targeting nine intake series nationwide in 2025.
“Only 60,000 of 100,000 vacancies have been filled. Large companies like Petronas demand thousands at a time.
“Hopefully, we can meet this quota within the next three years which depends on the availability of training centres.
“Candidate screening also takes time as to avoid wastage. We do not want to end up hiring those with a criminal past,” he said this during the 7/2024 Auxiliary Police Basic Course closing parade at the Sabah Police Contingent on Friday morning.
A total of 178 men and 15 women completed the two-month course to be stationed at 23 agencies across Sabah.
Under Section 47 of the Police Act 1967, auxiliary policemen, within their jurisdictions, are granted the same authorities as regular policemen which includes carrying firearms and making arrests.
“The 140,000 active policemen and women in Malaysia are not enough to watch over the 33 million population.
“Auxiliary policemen can help extend this coverage to their areas especially at rural estates which is quite effective in guaranteeing public safety,” he said.
Wan Hassan said that depending on employers, auxiliary policemen with the rank of Inspector could even make more than regular Senior Assistant Commissioners.
On worries of disciplinary issues, he said isolated cases could happen in every department, therefore his department is overseeing the matter through constant audit.
He told the graduates that the job had become more complex and challenging, especially for those assigned at the country’s entry points.
“You will also deal with intelligent societies who know their fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution.
“I understand that some of you today are over 45 years old. Although your fitness levels are unmatched by your peers below 30, your success in completing the training proves to your employer and family members that age is not a factor,” he said in his speech.
