Ayob Khan calls for extensive use of Sosma to address syndicate-related crimes

CYBERJAYA - The Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) should be used more extensively to address syndicate-related crimes in the country, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said.

He said the use of existing laws, especially for crimes such as contraband smuggling, appears to be less effective.

"Crimes like cigarette and alcohol smuggling, for example, we see that the use of existing laws seems to be less effective; in Johor, for instance, we made 10 arrests involving the same individuals.

"I see that this won't lead anywhere; crimes involving syndicates need to be addressed using Sosma, only then can we apprehend and deal with these syndicates as a whole," he said during the Border Security Seminar 2023: Strengthening Border Security Strategies and Actions held here today.

Ayob said the effectiveness of Sosma was evident during his tenure as the Johor Police Chief.

"During my time in Johor, the use of Sosma was seen as effective in combating these syndicates, where arrests were not only made involving foot soldiers but also some authorities.

"Previously, we had the Internal Security Act (ISA), but it has been abolished, and with Sosma, it should be used extensively in combating these crimes more seriously," he said.

Ayob said it is the responsibility of all parties in the country to uphold existing laws.

"We can look at other countries like Singapore, where, for example, drug-related crimes are met with very stringent legal measures.

"In the context of the law, there needs to be the courage to implement and enforce it according to the existing provisions," he said.

On Aug 23, the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Ramkarpal Singh said that efforts to review and improve Sosma were nearing completion.

He said the provisions allowing temporary bail while awaiting trial for detainees under the Sosma are among the key recommendations being studied for the improvement of the act.

According to him, several engagement sessions involving stakeholders, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Attorney General's Department, and family members of Sosma detainees, have been held, and the recommendations received will be presented to the Cabinet in the near future.

"The recommendation for bail (for detainees) is an issue we are currently studying.

"Abolishing (the act) is not in the plans, but we are looking at improvements," he said.