SEREMBAN: The police will continue to replace its fleet of vehicles which have outlived their economic lifespan in stages, says Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim.

       He said more vehicles will be purchased once the force gets the budget from the government to allow it to carry out its work effectively.

       Mazlan said although some of these vehicles had surpassed its economic lifespan, they were still in good condition and had served the force well.

       "Although more than 80% of the vehicles owned by the Negri Sembilan police for example, are supposed to have been replaced with new ones, we are still able to use them as these vehicles have been maintained well.

       "These assets will surely be replaced in stages when the budget is made available," he told reporters after handing over 25 brand new vans and pick-up trucks to the state police contingent.

       Mazlan also thanked the government for approving a budget to purchase 640 vans and pick-up trucks for all state police contingents.

       "All the vehicles have been sent out to the respective contingents except for Terengganu.

       "I will be going there next to personally hand them over to the police contingent," he said.

       Mazlan also thanked the government which recently approved eight development and 21 non-physical projects for the police force.

       The projects, he said, were approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan.

       "We are awaiting the details of the projects and hope these could be carried out soonest," he said.

       Earlier in his speech, state police chief DCP Datuk Mohamad Mat Yusop thanked the government and Bukit Aman for the new fleet.

       He said although 82% of its fleet comprised vehicles that have surpassed its economic lifespan, these were well maintained despite the limited allocations.

       Mazlan also later gave away cash aid and food stuff to 40 recipients which included police retirees, widows and orphans.