TUMPAT, The Marine Police Force (PPM) has requested the Federal Government to consider increasing its assets, such as patrol boats, in the upcoming 2025 Budget, which will be tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament on Oct 18. PPM Commander SAC Norzaid Muhammad Said said that PPM Region 3 in Pengkalan Kubor faces a shortage of assets, particularly patrol boats and that these are essential for ensuring more effective patrols and monitoring along the Malaysia-Thailand border, especially at Sungai Takbai and Sungai Golok. He noted that while there is currently no serious threat from smugglers, PPM remains vigilant in conducting border patrols. "'Therefore, PPM Region 3 in Pengkalan Kubor requires an additional two patrol boats because the issue of smuggling controlled goods along the Malaysia-Thailand border demands intensified efforts from PPM to ensure that no areas along the border are easily breached. "This (adding boats) will undoubtedly require more PPM personnel, and we hope th at the number of personnel at the PPM Region 3 headquarters will also be increased," he told Bernama recently. Meanwhile, Norzaid said that, currently, all officers and personnel conducting patrol duties in the waters are required to wear bulletproof vests and helmets to ensure their safety. 'At present, these safety requirements are sufficient, but if additional equipment is needed, we will submit a request to the top leadership of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM),' he said. He added that PPM constantly collaborates with the General Operations Force (PGA) and Thai authorities to tackle smuggling along the Malaysia-Thailand border. Source: BERNAMA News Agency