Be proactive, OCPD tells public
20/04/2006 The Star

THE Penang police force is understaffed, so the public must give their full cooperation to keep the city safe.

While maintaining that public safety was a police responsibility, George Town Deputy OCPD Supt Gan Kong Meng said the public should be proactive by highlighting their concerns and informing the police should they come across any crime.

There are 14 police stations in the state with about 1,150 personnel, he added.

”Ideally, we should have one policeman to every 200 citizens. Currently, the ratio is one policeman to every 400 citizens so our men are stretched thin.

“We have submitted a request for more personnel to be hired,” he said when presenting financial aid to those affected by the Taman Jubilee fire.

In the suspected arson case on April 2, 45 motorcycles worth RM135,000 went up in flames at the motorcycle parking area of an apartment block. At least six units were affected.

”Those with information can call the district police hotline at 04-2282222 to help facilitate investigations,” he said.

Deputy Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister and Bayan Baru MP Datuk Wong Kam Hoong said apartment management must ensure that the guards they hired were young and capable.

“When I ask them why they hire senior citizens to just sit at the guardhouse, they say it is all they can afford because many residents are slow in paying the RM50 monthly maintenance fees.

“So please pay up. Then if security is still not satisfactory, I will make sure they are made accountable,” he advised the Taman Jubilee residents.

A total of RM20,000 were presented to those whose motorcycles and apartments were damaged in the fire.