The Penang government is looking into reviving the State Volunteer Corps (Pasukan Peronda Sukarela, PPS), whose activities were previously deemed illegal by the Home Ministry.

State executive councillor Phee Boon Poh said there is a plan to reactivate the group, which focuses on social service and disaster rescue, but the government needs to study the matter further.

Phee told Malaysiakini: "Although Harapan has already taken over the federal government and is in control of the police, we still need PPS to supplement to the police force," he added.

"We must get the police, PPS and community involved to take care of our safety," Phee stressed.

The Penang government had challenged the previous BN federal government's suspension of the uniformed group and won the case at the Court of Appeal.

However, the federal government then appealed and the case is currently pending at the federal court. Previously, the Penang government was represented by Tommy Thomas, who is now the attorney-general.

In his written question today, PKR Batu Uban assemblyperson Kumaresan Arumugam asked if the state government had any plans to reactivate the PPS.

"Will there be a new uniformed unit to replace the PPS, if the state does not reactivate the group?" Kumaresan asked.

"Will the state government work with the police to reduce crime in Malaysia?" he asked.

DAP Pengkalan Kota assemblyperson Daniel Gooi recalled the hardship the PPS members experienced during their four years’ suspension from duty.

"I remember how they were arrested by police during the Merdeka celebration in 2014 and were detained in jail," Gooi said.

"We would like the government to let us know when they can reactivate PPS as there are crimes in our constituency, so PPS can help bring down the crime index," he added.

In his written reply, Phee said the state will review and study several factors, including the federal government's decision on PPS.

"We also need to study the role of the Rukun Tetangga (community policing) and voluntary patrol scheme and whether the police is prepared to work with the group before we reactivate the PPS," he said.

In 2016, the Penang government formed a group, Voluntary Patrol Body, to replace the PPS.

However, the then Home Ministry ordered the Penang government to halt all activities by the new group.

"At the moment, we have no plans to form a new group, but the Penang government has been working with the police to reduce crime," said Phee.