Community policing for crime prevention

Georgetown Oct, 14: State Assemblyman YB Sim Tze Tzin had just launched the Pantai Jerejak Community Policing Team in Bayan Baru Market last night. It was the first of its kind in Bayan Baru area. This community policing team was agreed by Southwest District OCPD Tuan Hatta and approved by Deputy OCPD Tuan Lai. The Penang Community Policing Association Chairman Mr. Koay Eng Loh also helped in its formation.

YB Sim said that the objective of forming Community Policing was to reduce crime rate in that area. The rapid development in Pantai Jerejak-Bayan Baru had caused many problems to that area, including escalating crime rate. Residents felt increasingly threatened by snatch thieves, break-ins and other crimes. YB Sim said that by forming Community Policing, volunteer members would be the eyes and ears for the police and thus helped to deter criminals. Community policing team would patrol the area together with the police force to ensure the safety of that area.

However, he also stressed that Community policing team would not replace professional police. It was the police duty to fight crime. "They are just there to help the police. They have to obey the laws just like anyone. No one is above the laws." he said.

He also commended the spirit of volunteerism among the residents of Bayan Baru to sacrifice their time to improve the security of the area. To show support to the Team, he announced to allocate RM6,000 to buy 15 sets of walkie talkie for the team.

The Pantai Jerejak Community Policing Team currently had 50 volunteers. Interested residents could contact Chairman Mr. Anthony Kang at 012-561 9193.

Video by Jimmy Lleow, Citizen Journalist