THE Centre for Policy Research and International Studies Universiti Sains Malaysia (CenPRIS) and Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation Penang (MCPFP) have come together to organise the ‘Contemporary Issues On Crime & Policing’ seminar at the E&O Hotel today.
The one-day event was supported by the state government.
According to its organising committee chairman Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy, the idea to hold such an event was initiated by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who wanted to increase awareness of crime and policing.
“During the Penang State Security Council Meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of improving awareness of crime and policing.
“And he wanted to hold a seminar for various state agencies and non-governmental organisations.
“So, he requested CenPRIS and MCPFP to work together with his office to organise this seminar,” Dr Sundramoorthy said during the event.
Dr Sundramoorthy said crime is a very complex matter and there is a lot to learn and understand.
He hoped that the seminar could be held annually.
“Through programmes like this, and with experts participating, we are able to explain personal safety, which is often taken for granted.
“We invited about 1,050 participants to the seminar,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chow urged every individual to carry out his or her responsibilities.
“Together with the police, every individual needs to carry out his or her responsibilities to combat and prevent crime in the community.
“I am confident that with the collective effort from all parties, we will be able to reduce complex social issues and move towards achieving the Penang2030 vision.
“With that, I would like to thank all who are involved,” Chow said during his speech at the seminar.
Chow also shared that, the crime index (based on statistics given by police) in Penang for this year, from January to November, showed a drop of 42% which was equivalent to 2,385 cases.
“Congratulations and our heartiest gratitude to our safety squad!
“Also, let us not be complacent. Continue combating crime and make Penang a safer place for all,” Chow said.
Among the dignitaries present were state executive councillor Chong Eng and MCPFP chairman Datuk Ong Poh Eng.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Law Suun Ting