Serious crimes fall 15.5 percent 18 months after POCA implemented - KDN

Statistics on serious and organised crimes fell by 15.5 per cent, 18 months after the implementation of the amended Prevention of Crime Act (POCA).

The Home Ministry (KDN) in a written reply distributed at Dewan Rakyat today said this was proven through a study of violent crimes by police 18 months before and after the act was implemented.

"After 18 months of enforcement, we found a drop in the trend of serious and organised crimes," the ministry said in reply to a question by Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN-Lenggong).

Shamsul Anuar had enquired the effectiveness of the implementation of POCA and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) in the country.

The Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (POCA) was amended in 2013 to combat serious and organised crimes after the Internal Security Act 1960 was repealed.

In the same written reply, the ministry also said there was, however, no arrest made under POTA since it was implemented on Sept 1, 2015.

According to the reply, with both acts as well as the Penal Code and Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA) in force, the ministry would continue to check and study from time to time on all existing laws under the purview of the ministry.

It is to ensure the laws are relevant and suitable to the current situation.