Deputy Inspector-General of Police Mazlan Lazim said the aid was to prevent heavily indebted personnel from getting into questionable and undesirable practices.

“We are looking into retirees and personnel in need, especially those who are trapped by heavy debt, for example, those who wish to send their children to study or who have personal or family problems to solve.

“When in debt, their salaries will be diminished, whereupon we have to watch over their welfare, since their duties may be compromised,” he said at a press conference after the handing over of donations from the Police Heritage Fund (TAWP) to 20 police retirees at the state contingent headquarters here today.

Also present were Bukit Aman internal security and public order department deputy director Kasuahdi Ali and Johor police chief Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.

Meanwhile, Mazlan said 887 police retirees nationwide had received donations to the tune of RM1.59 million from the heritage fund from January to May this year.

“TAWP plays a key role in the welfare of police retirees. We reach out to retirees who need help, especially those affected by the Covid-19 outbreak,” he said.

According to him, there are five types of aid under the heritage fund — funeral expenses (RM1,500), transportation (RM1,000), medical (RM5,000), education (RM3,000) and natural disasters (RM10,000).

In another development, Mazlan said 4,622 premises had been ordered to close nationwide under Op Patuh, from June 25 till yesterday after conducting over two million inspections. Ops Patuh is to ensure these premises follow all Covid-19 SOPs.

“This is to protect the public from Covid-19 and ensure a safe environment.

“Checks and enforcement will be intensified at factories, construction sites, workers’ hostels and business premises,” he said.