Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director Zainal Abidin Kasim said 800 of these vests have been distributed under the first phase by giving priority to all contingents.

He said the distribution was also based on the frequent risks and incidents of criminal cases that required MPV patrolmen to wear safety vests.

Zainal said the reflective vests could last 10 years and provide protection from 9mm-calibre shots.

“It also provides protection from stabbing attempts, using knives or other sharp instruments. Since they are reflective, they provide extra protection to policemen on duty at night.

“Large contingents, such as in Johor, will be given 100 pieces first,” he said at a ceremony to hand over the vests at the Johor police headquarters here today.

Previously, MPV members were only supplied with light reflective jackets that did not have such safety features.

Zainal said there were 3,000 MPVs nationwide and about 6,000 units of safety vests were needed.

Under the first phase, 800 pieces had been allotted by the government through the 2018 budget after undergoing endurance tests.

“If there are more allocations, we also want these vests to be worn by personnel in other departments while on duty,” he said.