GEORGE TOWN: Police personnel should never turn the public away from police stations regardless of their attire, says Comm Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng (pic).
The new Penang police chief said individuals in distress must be allowed to lodge police reports, especially during emergencies, including road accidents or situations involving threats to life.
“If people come to a police station for help, we must assist them.
“There should be no rejection based on how they are dressed, their ethnic background or any other factor when they are facing an emergency,” he said in his first meeting with the media at the Penang Senior Police Officers’ Mess in Jalan Lahat yesterday.
The 58-year-old from Muar, Johor, took over as the state police chief from Comm Datuk Azizee Ismail who has retired.
Comm Lim has served in the police force for 32 years, including 30 years in the Criminal Investigation Department.
Under his leadership, Comm Lim said he would optimise the use of information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance policing and security operations.
“Cyber threats and crime are increasingly borderless, making technological advancement crucial for the force.
“We are open to cooperation with corporate bodies and organisations with expertise in AI and technology.
“We can discuss how to strengthen the capabilities and image of the Penang police,” he said.
Comm Lim said Penang remains among the safest states in the country, crediting the public, local authorities and police personnel for maintaining law and order.
He described the media as a key partner of the police and stressed the importance of maintaining close communication.
Citing the “broken windows theory” from the 1980s, he said neglected surroundings, abandoned buildings, overgrown vegetation and poor lighting could encourage criminal activity.
“When such environmental issues are addressed, areas become safer, and criminals are less likely to operate there,” he said.
Comm Lim also said police would identify crime-prone areas and work with local authorities and relevant agencies to improve conditions there.
