PETALING JAYA: Investments in new technology should be bolstered by investments in those enforcing the laws to fight crime, say experts.
Universiti Sains Malaysia criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy said modern crime is multifaceted and that training is important in the ongoing fight against criminality.
“Investments should therefore be matched with continuous efforts to enhance investigative capacity, integrity and community engagement.
“Modern policing must be both technically capable and socially trustworthy,” he said.
He also gave praise to attention given to employment opportunities for veterans, in particular to fill the manpower needs of securing the border.
“Recruiting military veterans to strengthen manpower is a commendable move, leveraging discipline and experience for readiness.
“Yet, criminological insight stresses that effective border security requires more than manpower, it must be intelligence-led, coordinated across agencies and guided by ethical enforcement practices that respect human rights,” he said.
On the fight against cybercrime, he said the proposed Cybercrime Act and the strengthening of the National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) reflected the country’s commitment in tackling the issue.
“The establishment of a Cybersecurity and Cryptology Development Centre, the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) under the police and the creation of a Behavioural Science Unit demonstrate a shift toward intelligence-led, technology-driven and psychologically informed policing,” he said.
Retired Senior Police Officers Association (Respa) president Datuk Meor Chek Hussien Mahayuddin said the allocation for security forces, especially in combating cybercrime, is timely.
“With the government spurring the economy further, it must also be in line with equipping the police with proper tools so that they can be proactive in curbing and preventing crime,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces will focus on prudent spending of the budget, said its chief Jeneral Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar.
“We are grateful for the government’s continued trust and support, which reflects the nation’s commitment to strengthening defence and security.
“The welfare of personnel remains a top priority to maintain morale and sustainability within the force,” he said.
Mohd Nizam said the military will ensure the objectives outlined in Budget 2026 are fully achieved.
