Malaysian Policy Perspectives on Contemporary Problems in Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Administration (From Resource Material Series No. 38, P 117-123, 1990, United Nations Asia and Far East Institute -- See NCJ-135723)

• NCJ Number: 135732
• Author(s): S I Rahman
• 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
• Language: English
• Country: Japan

Annotation

Although the overall crime rate in Malaysia decreased in the period between 1980 and 1989, crime hit an all-time high in 1986. This article explores some aspects of the crime situation in that country.

Abstract

The four most common criminal offenses committed in Malaysia are robbery using firearms, motor vehicle theft, house burglary, and other thefts. Several socioeconomic factors, including large differences in wage earnings and social mobility, have been identified as contributing to the crime problem; other factors include a rural-urban migration, a severe drug problem, the presence of triads or secret societies, illegal immigration violations, and high unemployment. Crime prevention will only be possible through an integrated approach involving criminal justice agencies, law enforcement, and other public groups. In 1986, Malaysia instituted a Police Crime Prevention Branch which has worked to implement community policing schemes as well as a proactive policing strategy. Malaysia has passed preventive laws that are invoked against certain groups of offenders to control crime. Inmates are provided with vocational and academic education, and they participate in rehabilitation-related activities. Malaysian police participate in international law enforcement measures through regional police associations and bilateral cooperation. 1 appendix