Voluntary security board back on the streets of Penang

GEORGE TOWN: After two years in the doldrums following declaration by the Home Ministry that they are illegal, the purple vest community is now back in the streets of Penang, rechristened as Penang Voluntary Security Board (BPS).
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the newly-formed unit comes under the purview of the state's Community Development and Security Committees (JKKK) with the objective of creating a safe neighbourhood.
Lim said, the 607 registered members statewide aimed to bring a secure environment to people in the community.
Out of the 607 members, 249 will be stationed in North Seberang Perai district, 130 in the Northeast district, 84 in the Southwest district, 76 in the Central Seberang Perai district and 68 in the South Seberang Perai district.
"We want to assist the community as soon as we can and therefore came up with BPS," he said.
Lim added that the Home Ministry and the police force have been informed of the formation of BPS.
"I met Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zahid Hamidi and he approved it," Lim said during a press conference.
He also urged the members to fully adhere to standard operating procedures (SOP) approved by state exco and vetted by the state Legal Office.
On the court case with regards to the previous Penang Voluntary Patrol Unit (PPS) on its legality, Lim said that decision is expected to be announced on Nov 22.
Among the relief sought was a declaration that PPS was formed legally under the Local Government Act 1976 and a declaration that PPS was not an organisation as defined by the Societies Act 1965.
The state also sought to quash a declaration by the Home Minister in November 2014 that the unit was an illegal organisation.
The state has also asked for a restraining order to forbid the agents of the respondents to enter, seize and detain any PPS premises or members.
It further requested for an order to compel the return of seized PPS equipment besides seeking relief and costs deemed fit by the court.
State Welfare committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, who oversees the body, said the public can download BPS app from bps.comm.help.
He said this application helps to notify BPS members in vicinity and also family if any emergency arises.