The Role Of Neighbourhood Watch In Reducing Crimes In The Community

Abstract

The crime rate in Malaysia is rising and threatens the people’s security and safety. The Department of Unity and Integration through Neighbourhood Watch has taken various initiatives to maintain the safety of the local community. In this regard, the objective of this paper is to analyse the role of Neighbourhood Watch (Rukun Tetangga) in curbing crime in the local community. To achieve this objective, this paper focuses on case studies in Bagan Serai, Perak. Interview and fieldwork have been conducted to obtain information on the role of NW and the initiatives that have been implemented in the study area. The instrument of this study consists of an interview involving 3 respondents who are the Neighbourhood Watch members from 3 housing areas in Bagan Serai. This study uses a qualitative approach in analysing data that has been obtained. The result shows that the Neighbourhood Watch plays an important role in curbing criminal activities in Bagan Serai. To empower the Neighbourhood Watch in Bagan Serai, the present study proposes several recommendations for improvements. The recommendations are in line with the The National Key Result Area (NKRA) that is reducing crime rate.