KUALA LUMPUR: The year 2024 has been a pivotal one for Malaysia's law enforcement agencies, revealing both the depths of criminal complexity and the resilience of the nation's justice system.
From high-profile corruption scandals to evolving cybercrimes, authorities faced unprecedented challenges while striving to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
Beyond the Headlines sat down with federal police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain to discuss trends and challenges in curbing evolving criminal activities.
Among the issues shared include the crackdown on Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holding Sdn Bhd (GISB) operations, involving allegations of deviant religious practices and child mistreatment.
The discussion highlighted the CID's efforts to dismantle systemic abuse.
Separately, statutory rape cases surged by 11.8 per cent, with 202 reported incidents involving minors under 16.
Shuhaily linked the rise to the easy accessibility of explicit content online.
The CID, he said, alongside the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), ramped up efforts to curb online exploitation and protect children from predatory behaviour.
He also stressed on the importance of rebuilding trust while managing public expectations.
Cases like the recovery of 6-year-old Albertine Leo in a ransom plot demonstrated the effectiveness of rapid, coordinated police action.
The show also highlighted other key cases in crime and courts that have made headlines the past year.
Watch the latest episode of Beyond the Headlines on YouTube @NSTonline.
*The episode was recorded on Dec 10