‘People still sceptical about crime rate’

KUALA LUMPUR: There is a 47% reduction in crime but the people still don’t feel safe, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said despite the police and other agencies having brought the crime index down, citizens were still sceptical about the numbers.

“What we are seeing is that the effectiveness of our efforts in cutting crime just through a reduction in the statistics is not enough.

“So, those involved in crime fighting must do more engagement and adopt a friendlier approach when dealing with the public.

“This can help improve the negative perception of Malaysians,” he said at the “Addressing Perception on Safety and Security” forum organised by the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) at a hotel here yesterday.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said public perception towards the police was still “not as positive as it should be”.

“The Royal Malaysian Police is acknowledged as the best in Asean. This is an international recognition but not the general perception.

“My estimate is that only 20% are positive about the police,” he said in referring to comments made during a dialogue between panellists and the audience at the forum.

Dr Ahmad Zahid urged Peman-du to engage more with the public to better understand their problems and find ways to resolve them effectively.

“On their part, the police should find ways to strengthen ties with the people.

“This will be our approach. It will take time to change perceptions, and this effort cannot be done solely by the police,” he said, while urging the public to be involved as well.