KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s improved standing in the Global Peace Index was by design and not by chance, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
“We will defend this position and, in fact, as part of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), we aim to move up to ninth place from our current ranking of 13,” he said during a press conference at the 219th Police Day celebrations at Pulapol Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (March 25).
He added that strengthening legislation was also part of the checklist that influences the ranking.
“There are hundreds of reference points in the checklist, and the crime index is just one of them. Another key reference point is the measures taken to improve existing laws.
“If a law falls directly under our ministry’s purview, it is easier to address. However, we are sometimes tasked with reviewing laws that are not directly related to us, and that takes time,” he said.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, in his speech, said Malaysia currently ranks 13th in the Global Peace Index after rising four places in 2025, placing it second within the Asean region.
“This achievement is the result of a 6.4% reduction in index crimes, along with an increase of 9,000 security operations at the borders and nationwide,” he said.
“Although there were several incidents and events that caused concern during the study period from March 2025 to March 2026, the overall level of safety remained good and under control,” he added.
