Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in the Context of Development: The Malaysian Perspective (From Report for 1989 and Resource Material Series No. 37, P 177-183, 1990 -- See NCJ-135691)

• NCJ Number: 135699
• Author(s): A Edmonds
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Survey (Cross-Cultural)
• Language: English
• Country: Japan

Annotation

Crime prevention and criminal justice in Malaysia are discussed with respect to crime trends from 1979-88; the roles of the police, prisons, courts, and community involvement; and international cooperation.

Abstract

Malaysia is a rapidly developing country with a multiracial population and a mainly agricultural economy. The country's political, social, and economic programs rest on a national ideology that consists of five principles: (1) belief in God, (2) loyalty to the king and country, (3) upholding of the Constitution, (4) rule of law, and (5) good behavior and morality. Crime has increased during 1979-88, particularly robbery, residential burglary, motor vehicle theft, and other theft offenses. The Royal Malaysia Police use a combined proactive-situational approach. The country encourages community involvement in crime prevention. National programs include the formation of a vigilante corps, a neighborhood watch program, and the establishment of the National Association Against Dadah (Drug) Abuse. The judicial administration is currently focusing on methods of reducing case backlogs and delays. International cooperation in law enforcement takes place at both the bilateral and regional levels. The country is confident that its criminal justice system will achieve its full potential in the years to come.