KUALA LUMPUR: A direct line to Bukit Aman, better-lit housing areas and safer shopping malls are among the thrusts of the Government as it goes on an all-out assault against crime. And that’s not to mention the highly-visible police presence.
“The fight will be relentless to ensure that the people are free from fear,” declared Da- tuk Seri Najib Tun Razak when launching Pemandu’s United Against Crime Day at the KLCC Park here.
Now, all emergency calls are directed to the police, Search and Rescue Department and ambulance services.
“Having a special line direct to Bukit Aman will enable the police to take immediate action,” the Prime Minister said.
Although statistics showed that there was a decrease in crime, the people still perceived that crime was rampant and that a pro-active approach was needed at all levels to help tackle the problem, Najib said yesterday.
“Crime will haunt the community if we are not united in tackling it,” he added.
The campaign will be spearheaded by the Home Ministry and the police under the National Key Result Area to reduce crime.
Najib said housing developers should look at designing neighbourhoods without “lonely and ill-lit alleys”.
He urged shopping mall owners to invest on more CCTVs and security guards.
“Do not think of profit alone, think about tackling crime,” he said.
Najib said tackling crime under the second-phase of the Government Tranformation Programme would continue, including the safe city programmes and community policing. So would the motorcycle patrols units with an additional 1,000 motorcycles for this year.
Najib lauded the police’s recent move to set up a crime prevention department.
“Being free from fear and the possibility of crime happening is the end goal that we should strive to achieve with a concerted effort.
“Thus, tackling crime must be done relentlessly with undivided commitment and effort until our goal is achieved. It is one of our main priorities,” he added.
“The crime rate has been falling since the GTP programme against crime was launched in 2010. In April this year, the crime rate dropped by 3.1% compared to the same period last year.
“But the Government realises that statistics aren’t enough. What is important is how the people feel,” he said.
On the United Against Crime campaign, Najib said active participation and support of the community were the most important bases in reducing the crime rate.
“This war will only be won if all levels of the community join hands and support the fight against crime,” he added.
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