Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar announcing his plans for a Crime Prevention Department at Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur yesterday. At right is his deputy, Datuk Seri Bakri Zinin.
Focus on public order, crime prevention and police integrity
KUALA LUMPUR: The nation's top cop yesterday outlined his plans for zero tolerance towards crime, especially street crimes, by announcing plans to create a department dedicated to crime prevention.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters at Bukit Aman yesterday that the Crime Prevention Department would be dedicated to reducing all types of crimes.
He declined to reveal who would be chosen to lead the department, saying he had to first seek approval from the Home Ministry.
The New Straits Times learnt that Commissioner Datuk Ayub Yaakob, who is the Crime Reduction National Key Result Areas (NKRA) Secretariat chairman, has been tipped to lead the proposed department.
Khalid said the three main challenges he currently faced were public order, crime prevention and integrity among the police.
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Although a tall order, he said he relished the challenge.
"This is a new era as old legislations have been phased out and replaced by new ones.
"The Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 is a good example, replacing a section of the Police Act," he said on public order.
"But while more freedom has been given, it is important to ensure that it is not abused and lines are not crossed. We are still a country governed by law and democracy."
"The second challenge of crime prevention is not something new but I am now setting the record straight, it will be a zero tolerance policy on crime, especially street crimes."
He would be meeting senior police officers together with his deputy, Datuk Seri Bakri Zinin, to draw up strategies to tackle the various issues plaguing the public.
"We will make announcements in stages to update the public on what we are doing and the actions being implemented. Rest assured, reducing the fear of crime among the public is one of my priorities."
Khalid threw down the gauntlet to his senior officers at all levels of the force, saying they were responsible for the integrity of their subordinates.
"We will work closer with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Malaysian Institute of Integrity to ensure the policemen and women of the force live up to the standards expected."
On the Blackout 505 rallies currently being held nationwide, he said it was important that the organisers fulfilled the conditions of the PAA 2012 and give police advance notice.
"The conditions are there for a reason. Whether the organisers claim that it is a peaceful gathering or not is immaterial as police presence is still required.
"We have to ensure the location chosen by the organisers is secure, traffic flow is not disrupted, and most importantly, to ensure there are no other events being held at the same venue or nearby."
