The Melaka police will set up a motorcycle patrol squad next month to curb crime and unhealthy activities in the state, says state police chief Datuk Abdul Jalil Hassan.

He said such efforts could help the police monitor all tourist locations and centres in the state, particularly in Central Melaka.

He added the motorcycle patrol squad would involve between 15 and 20 uniformed personnel conducting patrols from 10am to 10pm.

"Indirectly, this will increase public confidence to visit Melaka, in addition to ensuring their safety," he told reporters here today.

Earlier, Abdul Jalil entertained about 100 orphans from Rumah Anak-anak Yatim Sultan Salahudin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj, Pantai Puteri, and Kompleks Fatimah Az-Zahra, Bukit Katil in a ceremony here which was also attended by Dunia Melayu Dunia Islam president Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam.

-- BERNAMA