Published by The Star
BY SHAUN HO 

PETALING JAYA: The proposed Crime Prevention Department mooted by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar has received encouraging feedback from various stakeholders, including security firms.

Chico Force Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Perkasa Juniur Khoo said the private security sector was ready to cooperate with the police in coming up with crime prevention policies.

“We play a supplementary role compared to the huge responsibility of the police force, but I feel we can help lighten the burden of the force if we can successfully prevent crime on private property,” he said.

Khoo said that on the part of private security firms, there should be stricter control in the hiring of guards to ensure those with criminal intention were shut out.

“The training of private bodyguards also needs to be given emphasis. There are very comprehensive training modules in advanced countries for bodyguards and Chico Force has studied and implemented some of these guidelines,” he added.

Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said he would meet Khalid on Tuesday to discuss the plan.

Although no specifics about the department have been revealed, Lee suggested that the department should be involved in studies on the causes of crime.

“Currently, fighting crime is like fighting fires. The police deal with it after it happens. They must rethink how to stop crime before it begins,” Lee said.

He also proposed that police set up a consultative committee to engage the people so that they could give their feedback.

“NGOs, public representatives, government agencies, private sector and local authorities will sit in this committee,” he added.

Safer Malaysia head Richard Wee, in welcoming Khalid’s initiative, said the group had several proposals to help improve safety and security.

“We look forward to working with the police and sharing our ideas,” he said.

Khalid announced the formation of the department on Wednesday, which he said would be headed by a director.

He said the department was in line with the police’s ultimate goal of zero-tolerance towards crime and would also be formed at state and district levels.