KAJANG: After almost 40 years, the Special Action Unit (UTK) is set to have a new home in 2024 when its new facility and training ground are completed.

       Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin announced the good news at the project’s groundbreaking ceremony at the Fourth Battalion of the General Operations Force (GOF) camp in Semenyih yesterday.

       “The new facility will be around 25 acres and will house multiple types of training rooms, armouries and garages. Around RM157mil has been allocated for this project and we hope it will be completed within the set time or even earlier,” he said.

       Pertama Makmur Sdn Bhd is the contractor of the project, which was awarded through an open tender, said Hamzah.

       The scheduled completion date has been set for May 2024, a delayed timeline because of the various Covid-19 pandemic movement control orders implemented.

       Hamzah added that this is the first facility of its kind for the UTK.

       “Previously it worked with other units. This is the first (facility) that is exclusively for the UTK,” he said, adding that he hoped this will enable the UTK to be among the very best police units in the region.

       The minister added that other agencies under their jurisdiction will have projects allocated to them.

       “We have already set three for the Immigration Department and four for the Prisons Department,” he said.

       Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah, in his opening speech, said plans to build the complex had existed since 1987.

       “First the suggested location was in Shah Alam but from 1987 to 2016, the project’s final location changed from one to the other.

       “With these new modern training facilities, UTK operators will be more prepared to face any threats and scenarios, in addition to creating high-value individuals who are highly skilled in their respective duties,” the IGP said.