Bintulu Member of Parliament Dato' Seri Tiong King Sing said there are about 150,000 Rela members in the State with 1,198 recorded in the division here and the number should have been sufficient towards assisting police in combating crime.

"If all the Rela members could assist and promote mutual cooperation with the police, who are obviously short of manpower, definitely the crime activities can be reduced," he said when addressing the closing of a two-day basic introduction course for 147 new Rela members at Kampung Ulu Nyalau, about 100 kilometres from here recently.

Expressing his concern with the increase in car theft cases and thugs threats, he suggested Rela members to also pay attention to conduct patrol in housing estates to assist the police in keeping such crime activities to the minimum.

The new Rela members were also called to understand and appreciate their roles and responsibilities to maintain civil peace and harmony, while continue to upgrade their knowledge and understandings of the laws being enforced.

By having a good understanding of the laws and appreciations to the responsibilities that they are shouldering, Tiong believed that Rela members could prevent themselves from abusing their power and positions while contributing positively to maintain law and order.

At the function, he also announced a donation of RM10,000 towards the Rela Bintulu.

Earlier, Rela state director ACP Pengiran Drahman concurred with Tiong's call for all Rela members to continue reinforcing their close relationship with the police towards maintaining the peace and harmony in the society.