KUALA LUMPUR: The crime index dropped by 13,186 cases or 11.7 percent last year compared to 2016, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun.
"Violent crimes also saw a decrease of 960 cases while property crimes dropped by 12,226 cases.
"Between January and March 15 this year, the crime index showed a drop of 9.7% while violent crimes and property crimes dropped by 16.2% and 7.9% respectively compared to the same period last year," he said in his speech on the 211th Police Day celebrations at the Police Training Centre on Sunday.
Mohamad Fuzi said despite a lower crime index, the fear of crime was still prevalent among the community.
"We will redouble our community programmes to forge closer ties with the community and to work together to curb crime.
"In facing terrorism threats, we have detained 389 Islamic State (IS) elements since 2013 through close monitoring and intelligence gathering.
"Those arrested include the seven detained between Feb 27 and March 15 involving six Malaysians and a Filipino national," he said.
He added that he was grateful to the government for allocating funds in the setting up of a Counter Messaging Centre (CMC) which would function to discredit, deconstruct and demystify propaganda and narratives of extremist groups.
"Several individuals have been traced and arrested for spreading such propaganda and militant ideology online," he said.
Mohamad Fuzi said police were ever ready to face the 14th General Election.
"All preparations have been arranged strategically since last year and are at the highest levels.
"This include the Internal Security and Public Order Departments simulation exercises to face any possible scenarios which could threaten public order," he said.
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