Malaysians and the police should work together to fight crime, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob called on Keluarga Malaysia to work together with the police to help fight crime and curb elements that try to threaten the country's sovereignty.

He said in the context of maintaining national peace, the burden should not be placed on the shoulders of security forces such as the police alone.

"At the age of 215, all the experience gained has made the police force a mature and highly committed national enforcement agency in carrying out its mandate and responsibilities.

“I was informed that the crime index for 2021 has shown a decrease of 52,974 cases compared to 65,623 cases in 2020.

"For the period January to February this year, index crime also decreased to 8,484 cases compared to 9,773 cases in the same period last year," he said while speaking at the 215th Police Day Parade 2022 at the Police Training Centre Kuala Lumpur in here, on Friday.

Ismail Sabri congratulated the police for successfully maintaining the momentum of excellence in reducing the country's crime index and proving their credibility in maintaining national peace.

He added that the government was aware that the task of the police in dealing with criminal cases has become increasingly complex, especially with the existence of technology and various social media applications that have been misused for criminal acts.

"All this requires the police to deal with it firmly, strategically, and effectively to ensure national security and public order are preserved.

"The government is satisfied with the level of professionalism and readiness shown by the police force in carrying out their duties including in dealing with militant threats," said the prime minister.

Commenting on the country's challenges in facing the Covid-19 pandemic, Ismail Sabri said, during these two years, Keluarga Malaysia experienced a challenging time and needed help from various parties to reduce the burden caused by the epidemic.

"I appreciate the role played by the police force as the front lines as it has helped to ease the burden of many Malaysian families during the pandemic.

“Even prouder, despite nearly the entire force’s had been deployed for Op Covid-19, the police remains committed to balancing the priorities of anti-crime services and maintaining the community’s harmony as well as national peace, "he said.

Therefore, the government would like to thank the police force, who are willing to put aside their own interests and expose themselves to the risk of infection and disasters.

"The government is very concerned with the need for the police force to increase their capacity in dealing with and combating crime because security is not something that can be taken lightly," he said.