The 218th anniversary of the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) today serves as a reminder of the force’s long-standing commitment to national security and public safety.
Over the years, the force has played a crucial role in maintaining law and order, ensuring Malaysia remains a safe and stable country. However, as highlighted by Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain in his Police Day speech earlier today, public perception of the force remains a challenge, particularly in handling high-profile cases.
While public confidence may fluctuate, one fact remains undeniable — Malaysia is still one of the safest nations in the region and the world, compared to other democratic societies. This is a testament to RMP’s dedication to controlling crime rates despite the growing threats posed by scams, cybercrime, and drug-related offences.
However, keeping crime at bay is not solely the responsibility of the police. It requires a concerted effort from society, including government agencies, private institutions, and the public.
Moving forward, priority must be given to strengthening collaboration between RMP and various experts to develop more effective crime prevention policies and strategies. These experts can offer valuable insights to help the force formulate data-driven policies, anticipate emerging crime trends, and enhance service delivery.
Public engagement is also crucial in bridging the trust gap. Continuous dialogue, transparency in law enforcement actions, and community policing initiatives can help rebuild confidence in RMP.
As we commemorate RMP’s 218 years of service, let us acknowledge their efforts while recognising the importance of collective responsibility in nation-building. Crime prevention and national security are shared duties.
While crime rates remain under control, new threats such as cybercrime, scams, and drug trafficking continue to pose significant challenges.
Strengthening professional development and integrity
The RMP must continuously refine its approach through professional development, strategic collaborations, public engagement, and technological advancement.
The force must emphasise professional integrity, transparency, and accountability. Policies and training initiatives should ensure officers perform their duties with the highest ethical standards.
A well-trained police force is the foundation of effective law enforcement. The RMP should implement specialised training programmes in criminal investigations, forensic science, and digital forensics to tackle modern crimes.
Officers should also receive education on human rights, ethical policing, and conflict resolution to align their actions with justice and fairness.
Leadership training is equally critical. Mid- and senior-level officers must be equipped with strategic leadership skills to cultivate a culture of accountability, professionalism, and service excellence.
Strengthening oversight bodies such as the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC), Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC), and RMP’s Department of Integrity and Standards Compliance (JIPS) will ensure complaints against police misconduct are addressed fairly and independently.
The RMP must implement strict anti-corruption measures, including lifestyle audits for officers. Encouraging whistleblowing mechanisms where officers and the public can safely report unethical behaviour will further reinforce integrity within the force.
Enhancing data-driven policing and strategic collaborations
Collaborating with statisticians and data scientists will allow RMP to implement crime mapping and predictive analytics, enabling law enforcement to anticipate criminal activity and deploy resources more efficiently.
Psychologists and sociologists can provide valuable insights into criminal behaviour and social trends, helping the police develop crime prevention strategies that address the root causes of offences.
Economists can analyse socioeconomic factors contributing to crime, enabling RMP to craft long-term solutions that reduce crime rates through targeted policy interventions.
RMP must continue to work with universities and research institutions to enhance its knowledge and techniques. Engaging with think tanks and policy experts will allow the force to explore innovative solutions to crime prevention and law enforcement challenges. Establishing academic research partnerships will ensure its strategies are based on empirical evidence and global best practices.
Strengthening community engagement and public trust
A well-functioning police force depends on strong relationships with the community.
Expanding community programmes will encourage residents to collaborate with law enforcement in protecting their neighbourhoods. Establishing regular police-community dialogues will create a platform for the public to voice concerns, provide feedback, and strengthen cooperation with the police.
Encouraging volunteerism in crime prevention initiatives will make security a shared responsibility, reinforcing the idea that public safety is a collective effort.
RMP must continue to hold regular press briefings to update the public on criminal investigations and policing initiatives. Publishing crime statistics and performance reports will ensure Malaysians are informed about its efforts.
Establishing independent civilian advisory panels to oversee police reforms and provide recommendations will help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the people they serve.
Leveraging technology for modern policing
Body-worn cameras (BWC) will improve accountability and transparency in police interactions with the public. Investing in facial recognition and AI-driven surveillance will enhance crime detection and prevention, particularly in high-risk areas.
A digital case management system should also be implemented to improve efficiency in tracking criminal investigations, ensuring cases are handled swiftly and professionally.
RMP must continue to specialise and expand its Cybercrime and Digital Fraud Units to handle complex digital threats, especially with the rapid rise of online scams, data breaches, and financial fraud.
Strengthening AI-powered intelligence gathering will help the police detect and prevent cybercrime more effectively. Collaboration with tech companies, cybersecurity firms, and universities is also essential to ensure RMP stays ahead of evolving cyber threats.
A collective responsibility
Ensuring Malaysia remains a haven is not the sole responsibility of the police. It requires the active participation of citizens, policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and the private sector.
By strengthening professional integrity, embracing data-driven policing, engaging with the public, and leveraging technology, RMP can continue to uphold its commitment to keeping Malaysia safe.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
