JOHOR BARU – Johor police refuted claims of an increase in crime after the reopening of the Malaysia-Singapore border, as the crime index is under control with no increase reflected.
Johor Criminal Investigation Department chief Shahurinain Jais said his team through Ops Lejang, which was implemented in the state on March 27, had successfully reduced the crime rate, especially for crimes involving property.
He said that a total of 526 on-premises inspections had been conducted so far, leading to the arrests of 30 individuals involved in vehicle thefts, as well as the seizure of 24 vehicles.
“We have noticed a fake statement on social media regarding the possible increase in crime after the reopening of the Malaysia-Singapore border. The Johor police force would like to confirm that the statement is false.
“The public is advised not to easily believe anything transmitted and to check the authenticity of the information first,” he said in a statement today.
The country entered its transition to the endemic phase beginning April 1 with some leeway granted, including the opening of national borders and allowing business premises to operate according to the duration allowed in their respective business licences.
Meanwhile, Johor Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief Amran Md Jusin said in a separate statement that Macau scam cases involving the impersonation of government officials showed a significant increase this year compared with last year, with a total loss of RM9.556 million as of yesterday.
Amran said the total losses were recorded from 209 cases from January 1 this year until yesterday.
Johor Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department chief M. Kumarasan also said his team issued a total of 2,350 summonses for various traffic offences after inspections on 10,035 vehicles, including 3,723 motorcycles in Ops Khas Samseng Jalanan.
“A total of 12,815 individuals and 10,035 vehicles were inspected, with 208 vehicles seized under Section 64 of the Road Transport Act 1987,” he said, adding that a week-long operation began on April 9 throughout Johor to address the growing issue of mat rempit in the state.
Kumarasan said in the operation, a total of 39 men and three women, aged between 14 and 53, were arrested for various offences under the Road Transport Act 1987 and the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, with all suspects handed over to the respective district police headquarters for further action. – Bernama, April 19, 2022
