HOME Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail described as isolated the act of a People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) guard who attempted to prevent a visitor from entering a building in Penang.

He said the issue should not be blown out of proportion and Rela would use their internal mechanisms to improve matters.

“I do not want to exaggerate. We should be fair to the thousands of other Rela members who are responsible for guarding government buildings,” he told reporters after launching the national-level Rela 51st-anniversary celebration at its northern region training centre in Bukit Selambau, Kedah.

On June 30, Social Security Organisation reportedly suspended the duties of a Rela member after he was accused of attempting to prevent a visitor from entering its office in Penang. 

Meanwhile, Saifuddin said Rela has evolved commendably since its inception over 50 years ago.

He said from its initial objective to open the opportunity for civilians to get involved in assisting the government with maintaining public order and security, Rela’s role now involves complex duties, including participating in border patrols. – Bernama, July 3, 2023.