KUALA LUMPUR: Each fully gated and guarded precinct has its own internal security system.

And safety being a big focus for the Eco World Development Group, things have got that much safer now – with an auxiliary police unit to call its own.

At the launch of the unit at the Eco Majestic township in Kajang yesterday, 46 auxiliary police officers showed off skills after 63 days of training at the Malaysian Police Training Centre in Langkawi.

“While guards from private security firms will monitor resident and visitor movement, the auxiliary unit will hold police powers, meaning they can apprehend criminals.

“All our townships will have their own auxiliary police units,” Eco World security services general manager Low Thim Chim said.

Also present at the launch were Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director Comm Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, Eco World chairman Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin, president/CEO Datuk Chang Khim Wah and director Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

Eco World received approval for its own auxiliary police units in January.

Expressing hope that the unit will serve as a benchmark to other such firms, Comm Acryl Sani said there will always be gaps to fill in terms of public safety and effective crime prevention as the police had limited manpower.

“When the private sector takes the initiative to set up auxiliary police units, they help to ease the burden of the police force.

“We are thankful as this means our police personnel can focus on other areas which are more densely populated,” he added.

Comm Acryl Sani said the auxiliary police had the same powers as the police force under the law.

Lee, who is also the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation deputy chairman, reminded the unit that it was important to serve with integrity, trust and discipline.

“Having gone through the training and judging by their display, I am confident they will be committed and dedicated to the job,” he said, adding that public safety is not to be taken for granted.

“We must always be vigilant. Bear in mind that each of us has the responsibility to keep our community safe,’’ he added.

Lee urged residents to help the police unit by acting as their eyes and ears.