NCJ Number
91258
Date Published
1982
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Following an analysis of crime trends in Malaysia, this paper describes how national development plans have taken into account crime prevention needs, and attention is given to specific crime prevention programs and the management of the criminal justice system.
Abstract
In Malaysia, the rate of increase of total crimes reported per 100,000 population shows an increase of 88.64 cases per 100,000 for 1968-79. The rate for violent crime has been comparatively low, while property offenses have been relatively high. Crime rates have increased substantially in cities and towns where population densities have increased. Factors contributing to crime are unemployment, drug abuse, the activities of secret societies, a materialistic orientation that has increased white collar crime, and public apathy. The Malaysia Development Plan inaugurated in 1970 has the goals of reducing poverty, restructuring society, and strengthening national security. There is an effort to decrease unemployment through expanded economic development includes an urban-to-rural flow of capital and training to provide for the employment of the rural population and check the rural-to-urban migration. Crime prevention and social control needs have been considered in development plans. Crime prevention programs have focused on community involvement in crime control, the development of the crime prevention role of law enforcement agencies, and the expansion and modernization of the law enforcement agencies. Crime control through the criminal justice system has emphasized highly punitive laws and the establishment of police powers as well as the upgrading of investigation and prosecution and the rehabilitation of offenders.