Crime rate down 70% with MCO in force

But number of housebreakings and motorcycle thefts remains high, says IGP

KUALA LUMPUR: With the vast absence of the public in the open and heavy police presence in the streets to enforce the movement control order (MCO), the national crime index has fallen by 70% over the past week.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said yesterday that while the overall crime rate had plunged sharply, incidence of house-breakings and motorcycle thefts remained high.

He said even with the current situation, there are still criminals who are committing crimes.

Abdul Hamid said there are also people who exploit the situation to scam the public by offering to sell non-existent protective items such as face masks.

“We have opened 370 investigation papers and had arrested 25 people to date over such scams. We have charged 11 of them so far. Losses reported totalled nearly RM3 million,” he said during an interview with a TV station in conjunction with the 213th Police Day yesterday.

Abdul Hamid said the traditional celebrations and events held annually for Police Day such as assemblies at the district, state and federal levels were cancelled to ensure enforcement is focused on the MCO.

“Moreover, money meant for the celebrations can be saved and channelled towards enhancing the enforcement of the MCO,” he said.

“Supply of protective gear and face masks for police personnel is also being acquired. We have increased the number of personnel involved in the MCO from 15,000 to 42,000. They will conduct roadblocks, surveillance and make street announcements during the movement control process.”

Abdul Hamid said with the help of 6,000 soldiers, who were roped in to complement police enforcement of MCO, more than 283,000 cars have been checked at 1,295 roadblocks nationwide since last week.

“Each roadblock is manned by 10 police and army personnel. We will be working 24 hours a day on a three-shift rotation. Sooner or later, fatigue will set in for these police personnel if there is insufficient manpower. We are glad the military is assisting us to overcome this,” he said.

Abdul Hamid said adherence to the MCO has increased to 92% compared with just 60% at the start.

He said police are prepared to take sterner action such as arresting and charging those who fail to comply with the MCO.

“In fact, we have arrested and charged several people for disobeying police orders,” he said.

“These defiant ones had challenged police and soldier, swore at and obstructed them from carrying out their duties.

“As for such stubborn individuals who think they are gangsters and feel they are immune to the disease, do not be shocked when we handcuff them and send them to the lock-ups to spend

three of four days there.”