The police have issued a statement saying that Penang's voluntary patrol unit (PPS) is not a lawful body.

 

Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar said that the unit is in violation of Section 41 of the 1966 Societies Act.

 

"The police have received an official letter from the Registrar of Societies that the PPS is not registered with it," Khalid said, in a statement on the police Facebook page.

 

"The police will conduct a probe on PPS activities and take the appropriate action according to law," he added.

 

When contacted, PPS chairman Phee Boon Poh ( left ) questioned how the police could deem the unit illegal when a probe has yet to be conducted.

 

"Why is the ROS taking so much interest in the matter and have acted so speedily to write to the police?" asked the state exco on caring society and environment.

 

"Either the PPS is very notorious or very effective," he quipped.

 

Phee said the unit need not register with the ROS as it is not a society but a state government agency.

 

"It was approved by the state excos and state assembly and its financed by the state financial department".

Phee further explained that the PPS was set up to do community service to benefit the people.
 
"It is a pity that the people would now be deprived of good service. The PPS was set up to respond to disaster situations as well as help the police prevent crime," said the Sungai Puyu assemblyman.
 
Phee said the Security and Village Development Committee (JKKK) is also not registered with the ROS.
 
"They are also involved with security and are not registered with ROS. Why does the PPS have to, when it is mostly involved in community service?" Phee asked.

Assault alleged

The PPS courted controversy after businessman Ong Eu Soon, 51, alleged he was assaulted by two men in PPS uniform in Air Itam last week.

 

Yesterday Parti Cinta Malaysia vice-president Huan Cheng Guan ( right ) said he has received a letter from ROS confirming that PPS was not a registered body.

Huan  had also questioned the need for the PPS to carry sticks and batons, and the unit members involvement in DAP's party work like putting up flags during the Bukit Gelugor by-election in May.
 
‎Meanwhile, Gerakan national human rights and legal bureau chief Baljit Singh asked the state government to explain why was the PPS not registered with the ROS.
 
"They must explain this in the interest of accountability and transparency," he said.
 
However, Baljit said a team of lawyers are willing to assist legally any PPS member who are being probed by the police, now that the unit is deemed illegal.
 
"Many of them joined to do community service. I have met several lawyers and we have decided to offer them legal assistance," he added.