The police force is unable to keep up with the rapidly increasing population in Kuala Lumpur and this has resulted in the alarming ratio of one policeman for every 649 people.

The Dewan Rakyat was told during question time that the accepted Interpol ratio stood at 1:250.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Internal Security Ministry Abu Seman Yusop said the police force is expected to get an additional 23,479 personnel. The recent recruitment of 4.071 personnel has filled 17.3 percent of the posts.

According to Bernama, he was replying to a question from Badruddin Amiruldin (BN-Jerai).

Despite the shortage, Abu Seman said the force had been able to draw up strategies to ensure security and public order.

Defence exhibition

Meanwhile, Deputy Defence Minister Zainal Abidin Zin told the House that 70 percent of space for the Defence Services Asia (DSA) Exhibition 2006 has been taken up, reflecting overwhelming response to the biennial international event.

He said the participation of big arms-producing firms fits in well with the government's efforts to make Malaysia a regional centre for the marketing and provision of ancillary services for the military equipment industry.

To a question from Rosli Mat Hassan (BN-Dungun), Zainal Abidin said this year's exhibition had produced "economic spin-offs" to the tune of RM50 million toairlines, transport companies, hotels and food service companies.

A total of 550 companies from 46 countries took part and some 20,000 people including specially invited guests visited the DSA held in April.

Zainal Abidin said 15 Memorandums of Understanding, three Letters of Intent and four contracts with a total value of RM225.45 million were signed.