Lee: Poca will be effective against hardcore criminals

PETALING JAYA: The Prevention of Crime (Amendment) Act (Poca) 2017, which also enables the use of electronic monitoring devices, should be effective against hardcore criminals, said Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

The Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation senior vicechairman said the legislation, which came into effect yesterday, should give the authorities the necessary bite against criminal elements.

“The authorities need such legislation to go after hardcore criminals.

“However, the Act should be applied justly and fairly to prevent any abuse of power,” he said.

He added that while the Act gave the authorities, especially the police vast powers, a safeguard should be in place.

“Action must be based on evidence and facts. The law should not be abused in any way,” he said.

It was reported that the amendment to the Poca 1959 (Act 297) was aimed at streamlining and improving the implementation and enforcement of the provisions with regard to the use of electronic monitoring devices on persons under surveillance.

In line with the amendment, the Second Schedule of Act 297 included new offences where the devices could be used.

At the launch of his book, Poca: Nafas Baharu Banteras Jenayah (Poca: A New Lease on Crime Prevention) in August, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the amendment was to implement the use of electronic monitoring devices on persons under surveillance and reduce the cost of placing detainees in prison.

It include preventing recidivism among detainees and potential offenders from committing crimes.