PENANG police will be focusing aggressively on drug-related activities this year to eradicate the drug abuse problems in the state.
State police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said this was crucial as 80% of the crimes committed in the state were done by those who have a narcotic record or drug addicts.
“And since we have understood that, we will focus aggressively on combating drug crimes, such as against those who transport, distribute, produce and purchase drugs.
“And after tackling drugs aggressively for the past two months (until February), we can see that the crime rate has fallen about 30%.
“However, we will not rest on our laurels. We will continue working hard and aggressively to fight the drug crimes through our many special operations.
“And hopefully, the number of crimes will fall and we can continue to make Penang safer for everyone.
“We cannot fully eliminate crime as it will be there until doomsday. That is the reality but we can control it through enforcement and good policing for the people,” Mohd Shuhaily said during an interview with Buletin Mutiara at the police headquarters in Penang Road recently.
According to Mohd Shuhaily, the geography of Penang itself is conducive for drug smuggling activities.
“This is because we have an island. So, it is easier for the drug syndicates to use a port or illegal jetty to transport or receive the drug since it is surrounded by sea.
“So, it is a bit challenging for us but rest assured, we have our own ways to deal with it. I have a high confidence in my team,” added Mohd Shuhaily.
Mohd Shuhaily, who has been the Penang police chief for eight months already, said he wants the Penang police to be as transparent as they can in terms of investigation and engagement with the public.
“This was what came to my mind when I was first appointed as the Penang police chief in the middle of last year,” he said.
According to him, the time when the police worked in silos is over.
“I’m here to work with everybody. And this is what we have been doing now.
“I also personally go to the ground to engage with many stakeholders, such as state leaders from the Penang government, government agencies, state elected representatives and also various non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“This is important for me to know the problems on the ground and try to find an effective solution to solve the problem together.
“As an example, when I engage with state elected representatives, I get to know more about the social problems in their constituencies that can lead to crimes if not prevented quickly.
“After all, the public can’t expect the police to know everything. And this is why such engagement is important,” he said.
Mohd Shuhaily added that he and his team also would go to at least one constituency each month to meet the people and listen to their problems.
“And we will try our best to find the best possible solution within our jurisdiction to solve any issue that arises at the constituency.
“We are here to listen and try our best to solve your problems,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian