KL crime cases on a decline

Downward trend attributed to MCO, says police chief

KUALA LUMPUR: Crime in the city has continued to show a downward trend this year, owing to the movement control order (MCO) and crime prevention efforts, says Comm Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim (pic).

The Kuala Lumpur police chief said that a total of 11,172 crime cases were recorded last year compared to 12,124 cases in 2018.

“This is a reduction of 952 cases. So far, the trend is showing a further drop this year.

“We believe the significant reduction is due to the MCO and an increase in patrols, as well as strict enforcement activities.

“We have never relented on our efforts to curb crime in the city,” he said.

Commenting on The Star’s report on June 13 that listed KL as having the highest number of index crimes per 100,000 population, Comm Mazlan said they had successfully recorded crimes lower than the threshold figure, which took into account population growth.

“Last year, the threshold figure was at 12,230 cases.

“It is a significant reduction of 1,058 cases or 8.6%,” he pointed out.

He said the number of registered cases was also below the threshold figure for 2018, which was 13,606 cases or a reduction of

10.9%.

He said for the first five months of this year, a total of 3,279 crime index cases have been recorded, compared to the threshold figure of 4,691.

“It is a big drop of 1,412 cases or 30.1%,” said the city’s top cop. Comm Mazlan said KL encompassed six police districts – Brickfields, Cheras, Dang Wangi, Putrajaya, Sentul and Wangsa Maju.

“We are looking after the security and safety of the people in all six districts, not just the central part of the city.

“It is a huge responsibility,” he said, citing Wangsa Maju and Dang

Wangi which have various foreign embassies and consulates under their jurisdiction.

“For example, there are 44 foreign embassies and 10 consulates under Wangsa Maju district.

“Besides embassies, Dang Wangi also have various tourist spots. While it is a challenging task to maintain peace and security, we are up for it,” Comm Mazlan said.

He said all personnel were committed to ensure that crimes in the city were further reduced and prevented.

“Various programmes such as high-profile policing and community engagements will be conducted continuously as well as enforcement operations, including operations against illegals.”