Chia (right) receiving his letter of appreciation from Comm Ab Rahaman for promoting safety, security among budget and business hoteliers.
Three people have been recognised by the Johor police for their contributions to public safety and community engagement.
Johor Unity Ambassador and National Malay Language Icon Lim San Shien received the certificate of appreciation for his contribution as a speaker and panellist for the police’s crime prevention programmes.
“I recently gave a talk on anti-bullying during town hall sessions with the People’s Housing Programme Melana Indah 2 community and I have also been actively disseminating information and motivating youths.
“My role is to educate the public on crime prevention, share anti-bullying messages, update people on the recent Online Safety Act and Anti-Bully Bill.
“In addition, I encourage youths to shift their mindsets and develop skills to become all-rounders,” said the 25-year-old lawyer.
Another recipient, Malaysia Budget and Business Hotels Association’s (MyBHA) Johor chapter chairman Jarod Chia said the recognition acknowledged the ongoing collaboration between Johor MyBHA and the police.
“This is particularly through the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department in advancing crime prevention and safety initiatives within the budget and business hotel sector,” he said.
These efforts included structured engagement with the police, courtesy visits and formal discussions in 2024 and last year.
“These engagements focused on identifying security risks, developing preventive measures and strengthening information sharing to support targeted patrols.
“The police are also involved in organising awareness programmes and training for hotel employees on basic crime prevention and emergency response,” said Chia.
Harudin Asmal receiving his commendation for programmes on cashless transactions and reducing financial fraud risks.
He said one of the main challenges was changing mindsets within the industry, encouraging hotel operators to view safety and security as a shared, continuous responsibility rather than a reactive measure.
“Budget and business hotels often operate with limited resources and face higher exposure to security risks,” he said.
“So, it is essential to balance operational realities with practical and sustainable crime prevention measures in partnership with enforcement agencies.”
Chia added that these initiatives had contributed to a safer environment not just for guests, but also for hotel employees and surrounding communities, building public confidence and strengthening Johor’s image as a visitor-friendly destination.
He expressed hope that the recognition would further reinforce collaboration between the hospitality industry, enforcement agencies and the wider community, in line with Johor’s tourism vision under Visit Johor 2026.
The third recipient, Johor Bank Simpanan Nasional deposits, payments and financial inclusion head Harudin Asmal Haron, said the award was meaningful as it recognised the strategic collaboration between the banking sector, the police and the community.
Lim, a lawyer, has been giving talks on crime prevention, anti-bullying as well as motivating Johor youths to develop skills.
He said his contributions included participating in collaborative programmes with police and various government agencies.
“This included supporting cashless payment initiatives, expanding financial inclusion for communities, hawkers and students, as well as running financial awareness programmes to ensure safe, inclusive access to financial services.
“Coordinating multiple stakeholders with different backgrounds and priorities, while changing the public mindset toward digitalisation and cashless systems, was challenging.
“But with support from the bank’s management, strategic partners and security agencies, these challenges were gradually overcome,” he said.
Harudin Asmal said these efforts had positively impacted the community by increasing awareness of safe digital transactions, reducing financial fraud risks and building confidence in formal financial services.
The awards, presented by Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad during the monthly assembly at the Johor police contingent, highlighted the commitment to supporting crime prevention initiatives and fostering stronger community relations.
