445 illegals nabbed by Rela (Star)

North

Saturday December 9, 2006

445 illegals nabbed by Rela

SINCE January this year, the North East district Rela has helped the Immigra-tion Department nab 445 illegal foreign workers by conducting frequent operations.

The uniformed body has also been actively involved in preventing crime and ensuring the public’s safety, North East district Rela officer Ismail Saaid said during the appoint- ment ceremony of the district’s Rela members at the Jalan Patani community hall recent-ly.

“We hope to continue working closely with the police so that we can further assist them in carrying out their duties,” he said before congratulating the newly appointed members.

In his speech, Jelutong MP Datuk Lee Kah Choon said discussions with Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Radzi Sheikh Ahmad had been conducted to determine the ways in which Rela can further be empowered to play a bigger role in keeping the peace, controlling traffic and weeding our illegal foreign workers.

“There are about 70,000 Rela members nationwide but we would like to recruit more members. Community leaders should join the uniformed body for the benefit of society,” he said.

Lee also reminded Rela members to be responsible when carrying out their duties and not to abuse their powers.

“Negative publicity about errant members can be very detrimental to Rela’s reputation,” he said.

During the ceremony, 20 Rela platoon leaders and 25 of their assistants from the North East district received their appointment letters.

Present during the ceremony were Datuk Keramat assem-blyman Ong Thean Lye, Batu Lanchang assemblyman Ng Fook On and Sungai Pinang assemblyman Looi Swee Cheang.