Seven Junior Police Officers (JPOs), comprising three Sergeants and four Police Constables, recently took a close look at how the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) grapples with the crime problems among the ethnic minorities.

Led by Woman Chief Inspector Yu Yin-ching, Sergeants Edward Ngai Tak-wa, Chong Ka-fan and Tyson Wong Wai-hing, and Police Constables Kevin Ng Ka-ki, Wong Wing-keung, Noelle Chow Kin-man and Cat Tam Wai-yee were on a study visit from February 25 to March 3 under the Force's Overseas Development Course Scheme. This was the first time a Force delegation was sent to the RMP on a research-oriented study visit.

The ethnic minorities in Hong Kong make up only five per cent of the total population but the crimes involving them still pose a challenge for some police districts. To get a clearer picture of this issue, the JPOs, before leaving for Malaysia, consulted Senior Inspector Mohammad Munir Khan from Sheung Shui Division and Woman Chief Inspector Lam Suk-yin, Police Community Relations Officer in Yau Tsim District, apart from carrying out their own research.

While in Kuala Lumpur, the Force delegates, besides receiving briefings by senior officers on the structure and functions of the RMP, had visited the RMP Federal Police Headquarters, RMP Police College, Kuala Lumpur Control & Command Centre, Forensics Department, "Dang Wangi", the busiest police district in Kuala Lumpur, and "Putrajaya", the Government Centre.

During the study visit, RMP officers were very forthcoming in sharing with the delegates their experiences in policing the ethnic minorities in Malaysia. The delegates found this exchange positive and fruitful. They are anxious to share with fellow officers their observations, which are summarised below.

Malaysia is made up of numerous ethnic groups: 58 per cent are Malays, 25 per cent ethnic Chinese, seven per cent ethnic Indians and the rest are other ethnic groups. Although there is no comprehensive scheme to look after different ethnic minority groups or new immigrants, the Malaysian Government makes a tremendous effort to help these ethnic groups learn Bahasa Malay and the basic skills for making a living. Every resident in Malaysia is required to pass a Malaysian Language Test before they can obtain Malaysian citizenship. According to the RMP, crime problems due to inability to adapt to society are few and far between.

The RMP applies advanced technology in their day-to-day law enforcement and crime prevention. They have installed a CCTV system with 250 cameras on the street to monitor the general traffic and crime situations round the clock. The system is producing encouraging results and the RMP is planning to set up 1,750 more cameras in Kuala Lumpur.

For crime prevention, the RMP has adopted a scheme called "Rakan Cop" (meaning Police's Friend), which encourages the general public to come forward to report crime or provide crime-related information through the short message service on mobile phones or police hotlines. Officers are available to do instant translation and answer calls. The scheme has proved to be successful in combating crime, and has drawn favourable comments from the public.

For service quality, the RMP have installed dual-screen monitors on counters in police station report rooms for informants to check the information entered by duty officers, and to make appropriate amendments simultaneously. This arrangement helps prevent misunderstanding and unnecessary complaints.

In conclusion, the JPOs said they had a very fruitful visit by observing how their host overcomes the language barriers of ethnic minorities, reconcile the differences among ethnic groups and foster a sense of belonging in Malaysia.

The seven JPOs have been given a warm reception by the Malaysian Police