IPOH: The number of police staff in Perak being admitted into hospitals and those who passed away due to health issues increased last year, says Datuk Seri Comm Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri.
The Perak police chief said 1,062 police personnel were admitted to a hospital ward last year, compared to 724 in 2022.
"In 2023, there were 26 deaths, including two senior officers, 19 lower rank policemen and five general staff.
"In 2022, there were 17 deaths, including one senior officer, 13 rank-and-file policemen and three general staff members," he said in a press conference after attending the Healthy Eating Active Living (Heal) programme jointly organised by the state police and Lions Club International 308 B2 at the state police contingent headquarters here on Monday (Jan 29).
"Heart issues are the main cause, as three succumbed to it in 2022 and 10 last year.
"Other causes include kidney failure, cancer and lung diseases," he added.
Comm Mohd Yusof said the Heal programme was organised to create awareness about healthy lifestyles among his police staff.
He said all police personnel should always be fit and healthy to serve the people.
"I have instructed healthy lifestyle programmes to be held at the respective district police stations every Friday between 3pm and 5pm involving all staff," he added.