SEREMBAN: Police will replace in stages its vehicles that have exceeded their economic lifespan, says Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim.

       He said that more vehicles would be purchased once the police force gets the budget from the government.

       However, Mazlan said some of these vehicles were still in good condition and that they had served the force well despite having surpassed their economic lifespan.

       “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 new vans and pick-up trucks to the state police contingent.

       Mazlan had also thanked the government for approving a budget with which 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 expressed his thanks to the government for having 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 can be carried out soonest,” he said.

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

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

       Mazlan later also gave away cash aid and foodstuff to 40 recipients who included police retirees, widows and orphans.