KUALA LUMPUR: Police hope to raise greater awareness of security issues and crime prevention, especially among youths in the city through high-profile policing events.
According to Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief Datuk Azry Akmar Ayob their hope was for youngsters to be more alert about such issues.
"We have also conducted crime prevention programmes involving schools and institutes of higher education especially those with liaison officers.
"This is to educate them and help them steer clear of bad habits and vice," he said in his speech before launching the Karnival Madani Penguatkuasa in Cheras today (Sept 30).
He said the high-profile policing events were one of the ways for police to bridge the gap with the public.
"Such programmes involve our personnel taking a proactive role in popular spots in line with our slogan 'Polis dan Masyarakat Berpisah Tiada'.
"Such programmes are a platform for us to exchange views and information with the community," he said, adding that it was only through daily interactions that the public would know how to channel information on security issues involving their surroundings.
He said the programmes would enable police personnel to advise the public on their role in preventing crime.
"This approach not only increases security awareness but also builds a deeper trust between the two parties," he said.
He said the programmes also allowed the police and other enforcement agencies to understand the specific needs of each community.
"Each area has different security challenges, and through this approach, adapting crime prevention strategies can be more relevant and effective," he said.
Azry Akmar also said police had implemented crime prevention programmes with the help of housewives.
"The Amanita motorcycle patrol squad will contact them to be the eyes and ears of the police. It has also been strongly emphasised that we will maintain the confidentiality of informants.
"Don't be afraid to pass any information to the police and other law enforcement agencies. Such information is important in helping to prevent crimes in residential areas and in maintaining the wellbeing of the community," he said.