Amanita squad adopts Taman Desa for safety of its womenfolk

DCP Yahaya hitting the gong to launch the event while Wong (left) and Taman Desa RA adviser Datuk William Chan (second from left) look on. — Photo courtesy of Taman Desa Residents Association

QUESTIONS on how to identify scams and scammers, and how to spot and help domestic abuse victims dominated a forum at the Taman Desa Community centre in Taman Desa Kuala Lumpur.

The talk titled “High Risk Crime on Women” was part of a series of activities held to launch the Taman Desa neighbourhood as a Taman Angkat Amanita Polis Kuala Lumpur 2022. Over 400 residents turned up for the event held to celebrate Taman Desa being adopted for the Amanita programme.

Taman Desa is the fourth neighbourhood to be adopted by the squad in Kuala Lumpur.

The other three areas are Dang Wangi in Kampung Baru, PPR Desa Rejang in Wangsa Maju and PPR Beringin in Sentul.

Amanita, or also known as the Peace Lady project, was started in 2013 by the police to combat crime in residential areas by engaging housewives “to be the eyes and ears” of the force.

Under the programme, housewives in a neighbourhood will be assigned to a female officer from the district police headquarters as their contact person.

The event in Taman Desa was launched by Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Yahaya Othman with senior police officers in attendance.

Taman Desa Residents Associa-tion (TDRA) chairman Wong Chan Choy said he was proud Taman Desa was chosen to be part of the Amanita programme.

“Being part of such a programme also means that you have a police friend that you can count on when you see someone in trouble or in need of help,’’ he said.

“If anyone comes across a suspicious character in a neighbourhood or if they know of someone who is being physically abused and in need of help, you can contact the designated officer,’’ added Wong.

One female officer is appointed in each police station to deal directly with women.

There was also an exhibition by the police on crime prevention and a counter for people to check and pay fines.

The police also presented certificates of appreciation to several residents for their outstanding community service.

The event was given a light touch with a song and dance performance from children studying in nearby schools.