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STATEMENT: HIGH-LEVEL DEBATE ON URBAN SAFETY, SECURITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE, 22 APRIL 2021
STATEMENT BY
MR. AZRIL ABD AZIZ
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE HIGH-LEVEL DEBATE ON URBAN SAFETY, SECURITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE:
MAKING CRIME PREVENTION A PRIORITY FOR ALL
NEW YORK, 22 APRIL 2021
Mr. President,
At the outset, I wish to thank you for convening this high-level debate under the theme of “Urban safety, security and good governance: making crime prevention a priority for all”. The chosen theme is indeed timely, given the looming threats against the safety and security of the urban populace.
2. In recent years, organised and transnational organised crimes have grown in both frequency and sophistication. The increase use and exploitation of the internet, including social media platforms by transnational organised groups also seem to have contributed to the increase of criminal cases and violence in cities.
3. Such rise in the number of crimes poses a constant challenge to sovereign states, including Malaysia. Comprehensive strategies developed through holistic approaches, as well as, international and regional cooperation are needed to prevent crime and achieve a safer and peaceful world.
4. In this regard, the Malaysian government has implemented several strategies for the maintenance of urban safety, security and good governance. One such strategy is the “Safe City Programme” which was launched in 2004. This programme focuses on creating a crime-free environment using strategies under the scope of designing the physical environment, target hardening and management, community involvement, and public awareness.
Mr. President,
5. Another strategy is the establishment of the Criminal Investigation and Community Safety (CICS) Department under the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) in 2013 to better coordinate crime prevention initiatives. Many of the initiatives feature close collaboration between the police, the armed forces, volunteer organisations and other relevant non-governmental organisations. CICS also engages with schools, universities, residential associations and businesses.
6. Through the introduction of an integrated information system known as the Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Integration (C4i) system, the response’s time of RMP officers to distress calls has improved from 12 minutes to 8 minutes, particularly in urban and major cities.
7. The RMP adopts similar approach by introducing a system known as the "Central Criminal Intelligence Unit" which is a centre for collection, storage and distribution of information involving 15 Ministries and agencies.
8. The capabilities of the RMP were further strengthened by equipping them with better resources, as part of a long-term strategy to create a world-class police force, as well as amending our laws to help them perform their roles better.
9. Nevertheless, crime prevention also requires the involvement and cooperation from the members of the public. Community partnership involving the police and government agencies is essential in ensuring the safety and security of our cities.
Mr. President,
10. As a member to the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), Malaysia recognizes the importance of international, regional and sub-regional cooperation.
11. We share the view of the general UN membership on the need to expand existing international cooperation, amongst others on the sharing best practices, experiences as well as conduct regular exchanges of information and intelligence.
12. Finally, I would like to reiterate Malaysia’s commitments and resolve in working closely with other Member States to further strengthen international collaboration towards crime prevention. We must show our political will in our efforts to make our cities safer and more secure for the mutual benefits of all mankind.
Thank you.