PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry will review the Forbes Advisor report that ranked Kuala Lumpur as the fifth most dangerous city to visit in Southeast Asia.
Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that the report contradicts the Global Peace Index 2024 (GPI), which ranks Malaysia as the 10th most peaceful country in the world and lists it as the third most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region.
"The Global Peace Index metrics are clear. I have not read the Forbes Advisor metrics. I am not saying that I deny it, but I have not read it. I will review the metrics used by the GPI.
"For example, there are indicators such as violent demonstrations resulting in the loss of life and the perception of crime in the country. There are dozens of metrics, including per capita provisions for safety, which are very comprehensive," he said at a press conference after attending his ministry's monthly assembly here today.
In its report, Forbes Advisor listed Kuala Lumpur among the most dangerous cities in Southeast Asia to visit.
This is based on a comparison conducted by Forbes Advisor involving travel insurance for American citizens.
According to the report, Kuala Lumpur is ranked fifth, while Yangon, Myanmar, is first, followed by Manila, Philippines (second), Jakarta, Indonesia (third), and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (fourth).
Saiffuddin added that regardless of the analysis conducted by the platform, the Home Ministry and police are committed to ensuring peace and public order are guaranteed and remain a primary responsibility.
In a separate development, Saifuddin said his ministry would issue a statement shortly regarding prostitution, which is said to be rampant in the capital.
He explained that he had already met with the Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain; Federal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain; and Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf.
"I have already had a meeting with them, and we discussed many matters. In fact, two nights ago, I invited them to my house for a full briefing.
"For now, let me digest all the information first; there are a few more things I want them to prepare. I will make a statement on this topic at a later time," he said.