JOHOR BARU: Crime rates in Johor have dropped by almost 6% in the first seven months of this year compared to the corresponding period last year.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said while congratulating the police for their efforts to bring down the crime rate in the state.
"I am glad to announce that the crime rate in Johor has dropped by 5.51% between January and July this year compared to the same period in 2021.
"Congratulations Johor police for this success!," he said in a Facebook post after launching the Safe Johor campaign here on Saturday (Aug 13).
He noted that the Safe Johor campaign was launched to further boost the security aspects of the state and to support the Johor government's effort to reach its goal to be an advanced state by 2030.
"In order to realise the 'Safe Johor' agenda, electrical scooters and vans, as well as mobile police stations have been upgraded to assist the cops in keeping Johor safe.
"The Johor police will also be working closely with the Malaysian Armed Forces, other uniform agencies and non-governmental organisations to boost the state's security," he said.
He added that apart from enforcement agencies, four local councils under the Greater Johor Baru area, namely Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), Pasir Gudang Security Council (MBPG) and Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu), also play an important role in maintaining public safety.
"Under the Smart City Initiative, all closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the Greater Johor Baru area will be connected to a command centre that will monitor the entire city.
"This command centre will later be connected to the police's line in an effort to reduce crime and to use artificial intelligence (AI) technology for facial and car recognition to ease their investigation," he said.
He added that an increase in security would provide a conducive environment for investors and allow tourists to enjoy their vacations with a peace of mind.
"All of these would improve the state's finances in the long run, which will also benefit Johoreans," he said.
