Increase in firearms-related crimes due to weak information system - Musa Hassan

Weakness in law enforcement, particularly the information systems used by security agencies, is the main cause for the increase in the firearms-related cases.

Former Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Musa Hassan said this has made criminals to become bolder as they have easy access to firearms.

“Frequent patrols can help curb cases involving triads and gangs which are on the rise lately. (But) what’s important is information. We can only prevent crimes with good information and intelligence.

“When criminals see a patrolling officer, it will somewhat prevent them from committing a crime. Patrols should also be conducted by plain-clothed police officers to arrest unsuspecting criminals,” he said when commenting on a recent shooting involving three men at a playground and parking lot of the Rimba Jaya Apartment in Section 16, Shah Alam on Sunday.

On the same day, a Bangladeshi national was injured after he was hit by a stray bullet in a robbery on Jalan Genting Klang.

On July 27, V Kandasamy or Kanna, 43, was shot dead while in his car on Jalan Danau Kota.

Meanwhile, Musa said the confidentiality of whistleblowers needs to be guaranteed by authorities.

“Whistleblowers will never offer crucial information if they feel threatened or exposed to danger.

“Enforcement officers should also carry out their duties with integrity to ensure information is not leaked to certain parties that will endanger the lives of whistleblowers,” he said.

Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar had previously said whistleblowers will only be protected under the law if they use the proper channels to expose any wrongdoing.

According to the Legal Affairs Division’s website of the Prime Minister’s Department, the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 [Act 711] is being enforced by all agencies with powers of investigation and enforcement.

This act encourages and enables the public to expose any act of corruption or wrongdoing under the provision of this Act.

Protection conferred to a whistleblower under this Act includes confidential information, immunity of civil and criminal actions and protection against detrimental actions which include actions that cause injury, loss or damage among others.