Police must transform to tackle latest crime trends: Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) should undergo transformation and move with the times in order to tackle the latest crime trends, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
Najib explained that currently, most crime cases are no longer conventional, instead they have become harder to track such as white collar crimes like technology abuse, cross-border organised crime and cyber crime.
"Therefore, as a dynamic and progressive enforcement agency, transformation and moving along with the times is the way forward.
"Moreover, PDRM is the frontline in safeguarding the nation's safety and security," Najib said in his speech prior to officiating the 210th Police Day celebration with the theme "Police and Community are Inseparable" at the Malaysian Police Training Centre (Pulapol) earlier this morning.
Najib then stressed that the sacrifices and effort put in by those in uniform should not be overlooked as they have disregarded their own safety and well-being for the nation's benefit.
"If we look at history, these men and women in uniform have been at the forefront in combating those who threaten national security be it the communist threat in the 1950s or the blood-shed incident in Lahad Datu in 2013," he explained.
"Despite all their contributions, there are certain parties who attempt to tarnish the force's image by hurling baseless allegations and spreading malicious news and lies about them which saddens me.
"The priceless contributions provided for the public and country is undeniable and for that, the Government will always stand behind PDRM," he said.
In his speech, the Prime Minister also commended the police for being able to lower the crime index by almost 3% last year compared to 2015.
Najib also applauded the proactive efforts taken in combating terrorism threats.
"The recent attack in front of Britain's Parliament House couple with the murder of Kim Jong-nam remind us that we must always be alert.
"The government will never compromise matters of security," he said.
On this momentous occasion, Najib also announced that the government will be donating RM3 million to the Police Heritage Trust Fund as a way to express the nation's utmost gratitude towards the contributions by former police officers and retirees.
Najib said the funds collected via the trust fund campaign will be used to look after the well-being of the force's retirees and former officers.