May 20, MIRI – I attended a Personal Safety talk at Agape Grace Methodist Preaching Centre (AGMPC), Jalan Airport Mciti Square.

Organized by AGMPC, the talk was primarily intended to create safety awareness among the youth and children.

I was delighted to see the good turnout which meant that people care about combating crime and crime prevention.

Prior to introducing the speaker, Frederick Wong warmly welcomed the attendees. Being a former Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) Officer, Wong also mentioned that most people take safety and security for granted, and cautioned against doing so.

In his self-introduction, speaker PDRM DSP Ang Seow Aun mentioned his credentials and his working experience. Following that, he briefly talked about the roles of Police Officers and how they play the central role in the law enforcement system, monitor criminal activity, take part in community patrols, respond to emergency calls, issue tickets, make arrests, investigate crimes and testify in court as needed.

DSP Ang also elaborated on a “Crime Triangle”, which has a combination of three basic elements; opportunity, target and culprit. Based on a target plan, PDRM is working hard toward Zero Tolerance Policing, added DSP Ang.

“We have also formed Community Policing in Miri and I praise the successful Neighborhood Watch Groups especially the JKP Pujut Adong,” said DSP Ang.

DSP Ang also announced the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP), a free app available for download. “When witnessing a crime or an accident, and you can swiftly alert police through this app,” DSP Ang pointed out. Just launched on March 25 this year, the public can now easily provide first-hand or on-the-spot information by uploading photos or videos of accidents, crimes or disasters that require emergency response.

Before concluding his talk, DSP Ang also talked about Citizens’ rights, Internet frauds, Business and Recruitment (Jobs) deceits, Counterfeit cheque scams, Spoofing/Phishing frauds, Ponzi/Pyramid frauds, and How to be safe from internet frauds. “We are also working hard to regain and instill public confidence in PDRM and we are seeking your co-operation and help to combat crime,” DSP Ang said as he ended his session.

The floor was open to Q and A before the session ended with light refreshments.

by James TC Wong
Agape Grace Methodist Preaching
Centre, Miri