JOHOR BARU: A food aid programme dubbed "Ops Bantu" is one of the new approaches by Johor police to strengthen its bond with the local community.

       Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the programme was introduced by the Home Ministry in collaboration with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

       He added that in Johor, 13 police districts had been provided with 300 food baskets each to be distributed to the needy from Wednesday (July 7).

       “This will not be a one-off programme and we will request for further allocation from the government.

       “Those in need can directly call any of the 13 police districts that we have to request for this aid and we will ensure that they will get help,” he told a press conference here on Wednesday.

       Comm Ayob Khan added that each district police headquarters will also be a centre for collecting data of those in need so that food aid may be given directly to them.

       “The state Police Headquarters has also collaborated with the Welfare Department to identify those in need, aside from gathering any new information of applicants,” he added.

       More to come