Constant monitoring of police in crime prevention

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls on the Government to ensure that there is constant monitoring of personnel in hot spots nationwide and the effectiveness of the Lestari neighbourliness programme. There should not be irregularities, especially on the eve of festive occasions.

The public should cooperate with the police and other agencies such as the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry so that crime prevention programmes are successful.

According to Deputy PrimeMinister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin there are positive results in 30 areas to reduce crime. These are hotspots with high crime rates and social problems under the Lestari neighbourliness programme in Johor, the Federal Territory, Selangor and Penang. Apparently, these are trial projects initiated by the National Social Council with the cooperation of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry and the police.

The Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein says that the government spent about RM5.6 million in the first phase and is spending RM4.3 million in the second phase.

There are many factors contributing to crimes, including poverty. Crime prevention would involve many aspects, not just police action in hotspots.

Both the Deputy Primi Minister and the Home Minister talk about evaluation, sustainability and long-lasting programmes. Indeed, we need to insist on these things. Let us hope that the RM9.9 million spent on the programme are value for money. The fund should not be miused.

While we are paying attention to the Lestari neighbourliness programme, the police are stationing more personnel in cities such as Kuala Lumpur. There are many road blocks.

The Home Ministry should monitor strictly police personnel on patrol whether in hotspots, at road blocks and other areas. There are complaints that a few are on the take, especially on the eve of festive occasions. As it is difficult to find proof and witness, it is necessary to have strict surveillance.

We have over 90,000 police personnel. We require more to meet the150,000 target. We need good police men and women of all races.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw