Crime index down by 4.1% last year from 2021, says IGP

KUALA LUMPUR: The crime index nationwide showed a reduction of 2,155 cases last year from 2021, says Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.

The Inspector-General of Police said a total of 50,819 cases were recorded between January and December, against 52,974 cases the year before.

"It shows a reduction of 4.1%.

"It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all police officers and personnel nationwide," he said in his speech during the Bukit Aman monthly assembly on Wednesday (Jan 11).

The IGP said the number of suspects detained for various drug offences increased, however, from 129,654 in 2021 to 163,740 last year.

ALSO READ: Drop in national crime index last year (https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/03/18/drop-in-national-crime-index-last-year)

"We also detained 1,261 individuals under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 last year, compared to 1,186 arrests in 2021," he said, adding that this showed the police commitment to fighting the drug menace.

Meanwhile, Acryl Sani said a total of 2,866 smuggling cases were recorded last year, resulting in 5,945 arrests and seizures amounting to RM495.6mil.

"It showed a slight increase from 2,811 cases in 2021 with 4,840 arrests and RM445.9mil in items seized," he said.

The number of commercial crime cases showed a slight decline with 30,536 cases last year compared to 31,490 cases in 2021, he added.

The country's top cop reminded the men and women in the police force of the three main focuses: strengthening integrity, improving service delivery, and carrying out government policies for the benefit of the people.

"As the nation's main enforcement agency, we are a reflection of the firmness and transparency of law enforcement.

"In this matter, strengthening integrity must be the main principle of everyone on the force, through carrying out duties professionally based on the law.

"Integrity must be strengthened through... making the right (practices) the norm," he added.

As for improving service delivery, Acryl Sani said all police officers and personnel should constantly strive to upgrade their knowledge, expertise and skills.

"We should always be ready to serve the people and give the best service.

"After all, society and the police are inseparable," he said.