Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said RM10 million would be spent to procure anti-riot gear, particularly 1,000 units of protective body armour and 1,000 gas masks.

Some RM2.3 million will be spent to purchase 13 sniper rifles, RM3.6 million to procure 10 armoured vans, and RM2.8 million to replace 175 riot guns.

Meanwhile, the FRU’s mounted unit will get four float bonded trucks worth RM2.2 million. The FRU will also get 10 public order dogs at a cost of RM900,000.

“It is hoped that these assets will be fully utilised by the FRU to continue giving their best in serving the nation,” Razarudin said during the FRU’s 68th anniversary celebration.

He also thanked the government, particularly the home ministry, for approving the allocation.

Razarudin said the FRU had managed to detect 41 cases of various kinds of smuggling, from contraband, migrants, drugs and fireworks, to “national treasures”.

With the unit’s help in these cases, he said, 163 suspects had been arrested from January to October this year, with RM31.8 million worth of goods seized by the cops.