He said they will now be paid RM8 per hour, while allowance for officers will be raised from RM7.80 to RM9.80 per hour.
“Hopefully this will attract more participation in the voluntary units to provide positive motivation and spirit,” he said when opening the RM46.2 million Kota Setar district police headquarters here today.
Also present were Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun, Deputy IGP Noor Rashid Ibrahim, Kedah Chief Police Officer Zainal Abidin Kasim and Kedah Menteri Besar Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah.
Zahid, who is also the home minister, said Prime Minister Najib Razak was concerned about national security, and approved allocations to acquire sophisticated assets and equipment for the police.
“The prime minister gave very positive response and concern because he felt the police must be equipped with new assets for better performance,” he said.
“The concern of the prime minister is not only limited to empowering the unit’s assets but also upgrading all the contingents and district police headquarters, especially police barracks nationwide,” he said.