Police need a dedicated emergency number, says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: The police should look into having a dedicated emergency line direct to Bukit Aman to tackle crime situations faster, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Currently, all emergency calls are made by dialing 999, which directs callers to the police, fire and rescue and ambulance.

"Now it (emergency calls) is all in one and the operator will have to determine if the call goes to the police, bomba or the hospital. Precious minutes are wasted in this critical moment.

"Having a special line direct to Bukit Aman will enable the police to take immediate action," he said at the launch of Pemandu's United Against Crime Campaign at KLCC park here Saturday.

The campaign is spearheaded under the Home Ministry, PDRM and reducing crime NKRA.

Najib hoped the police will consider the suggestion which he said was mooted by a former senior police personnel.

He assured that the fight against crime was a relentless one and that people's feelings were being taken into account.

On the campaign, he said a pro-active approach was needed from all levels of the community to tackle crime.

"The support from the community is the most important basis in reducing the crime rate.

"This war will only be won if all levels of the community join hands and support the fight against crime.

"Crime will haunt the community if we are not united to tackle it," he said.

He also urged shopping mall owners to invest in installing additional CCTVs and hiring more security guards in their car parks to help reduce crime.

"Do not think of profit alone, think about tackling crime. A safer mall will encourage more shoppers," said Najib who also suggested that housing developers design neighbourhoods without secluded lanes.

Among those present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Deputy Inspector General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Mohd Zinin.

The United Against Crime Campaign aims to increase awareness of the various initiatives on the ground to reduce crime.

Various booths have been set up at KLCC park, including by the police who provided information on crime prevention, the Home Ministry and 1Malaysia for Youth (1M4U).

Various demonstrations and performances are also being held during this day-long programme.
Those who wish to make a pledge online against crime can log on to www.unitedagainstcrime.com.my. The website also provides information on how the public can protect themselves from crime.

(Source: The Star Online)