Royal Malaysian Police Research Articles

Content framing role on public sentiment formation for pre-crisis detection on sensitive issue via sentiment analysis and content analysis.

Social media has been tremendously used worldwide for a variety of purposes. Therefore, engagement activities such as comments have attracted many scholars due its ability to reveal many critical findings, such as the role of users' sentiment. However, there is a lacuna on how to detect crisis based on users' sentiment through comments, and for such, we explore framing theory in the study herein to determine users' sentiment in predicting crisis. Generic content framing theory consists of conflict, economic, human interest, morality, and responsibility attributes frame as independent variables whilst sentiment as dependent variables. Comments from selected Facebook posting case studies were extracted and analysed using sentiment analysis via Application Programme Interface (API) webtool. The comments were then further analysed using content analysis via Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) scale and statistically evaluated using SEM-PLS. Model shows that 44.8% of emotion and reactions towards sensitive issue posting are influenced by independent variables. Only economic consequences and responsibility attributes frame had correlation towards emotion and reaction at p<0.05. News reporting on direction towards economic and responsibility attributes sparks negative sentiment, which proves that it can best be described as pre-crisis detection to assist the Royal Malaysian Police and other relevant stakeholders to prevent criminal activities in their respective social media.

Police’s Voice: A Need Analysis of ESP for Police Trainees in Malaysia

The research was to investigate the needs of the former police trainees at a local police training centre (PULAPOL) in Kuala Lumpur for the English course under the Basic Police Training Program (PLAK) in helping their policing tasks on the ground. This was a mixed-method study, employing both needs analysis survey and semi-structured interview as the instruments and were developed based on Hutchinson and Waters (1987)’s Target Needs focusing on Lacks, Wants and Necessities. This study involved 183 former police trainees who used to undergo police training at PULAPOL Kuala Lumpur before; Cadet Police Inspector (CP1) series one (1) and series two (2) 2019 who are now serving as the Inspector Officers (IOs) at various Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) departments nationwide. There were three main findings in this study; firstly, the former police trainees’ Necessities for the English course at PULAPOL were to perform their policing tasks on the ground and to speak with English-speaking clients when solving their problems. Secondly, their Lacks of knowledge in police terminology, grammar and speaking confidence limited their performance in the English course. In terms of Wants, they wished to learn all the English skills equally, but rejected the grammar teaching per say. The outcome of this study will aid the English coordinators at PULAPOL in revising the existing English course and developing a police-based English syllabus or English for Police Purposes (EPP) in accordance with the target needs of the police trainees.

Assessing Road Accident Black Spots and Countermeasures in the State of Perak, Malaysia

To develop a successful strategy for improving road safety, the initial step involves is to identify the black spots that are more susceptible to high-risk traffic accidents. However, due to the high cost of implementing safety measures in these locations, only a limited number of spots/sites can be thoroughly examined with the available funding. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the high-risk sites and their corresponding safety measures in order to make the most efficient use of the available finances. Hence, this paper presents black spots ranking and low-cost countermeasures based on the Perak Federal trunk road traffic crash (RTC) data for three years from 2018 to 2020 recorded by the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP). The weightage point method was used for each black spot ranking exercise where as, the selection for countermeasures were based on RTC situations which are norms practiced by the Public Works Department (PWD). In total 22 black spots were ranked and it was found that the highest rank of the 2020 black spots in Perak was along route FT005 in Kinta district which had 18 RTCs and with a total weightage points (TWP) of 118.2. In balancing between limited financial allocation and improving road safety, the countermeasures were priorotized for implementation in 2021 based on the black spots ranking results. However, only six black spots were treated in 2021 with the entire cost was RM 1,834,027.19. Where for route FT005 in Kinta district, the countermeasure was done at Section 684 with a total cost of RM350,000 under the 2022 black spots countermeasure program which is an annual program funded by the Ministry of Works Malaysia. It is recommended that Perak State PWD form a Road Safety Unit to reduce the black spots along the state roads which is the second highest road fatalities recorded in Perak.

Factors Influencing Online Buying Intention among Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) Officers

Online buying has become a norm in Malaysia after the COVID-19 pandemic. It is one of the measures to cope with the rapid spread of the virus. Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) staff is not left behind in following the current trend. The present study is intended to determine the factors that influence them to engage in online buying although they are very busy ensuring public safety. Data was collected using online surveys distributed conveniently to the staff. After the lapse of the allocated data collection period, 150 responses were received and analyzed. Out of five factors that have been selected as the independent variables, only two are significant in influencing online buying intention among the RMP staff: attitude and perceived usefulness. Perceived ease of use, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control did not significantly influence the online buying intention of RMP officers. The findings show that only those with the right attitude towards online buying and those who find online buying beneficial will pursue online purchases.

ROAD ACCESSIBILITY AND SAFETY ANALYSIS IN GATED AND NON-GATED HOUSING COMMUNITIES

The relationship between crime and the built environment has been extensively investigated in the field of urban design and planning. Gated housing area refers to a physical personal area with limited access and is governed by special rules, restricting or controlling access to and outside of the homeowner (via electronic devices or with the safety of workers). Therefore, gated housing communities are assumed to be safer than non-gated housing communities in relation to crime occurrence with limited road point accessibility which is deemed reliable to prevent undesirable property crime. The purpose of this research is to analyse the property crime incidents in gated and non-gated housing communities of Subang Jaya, Selangor with regards to road accessibility points. Three years of crime surveillance data from 2014 to 2016 was obtained from the Royal Malaysian Police Department. Findings indicated that crime incident is less at the gated community as compared to non-gated with the most of the hot spot area are located at the multiple road points access such as Subang Perdana Good Year Court 7 and few USJ, Subang Jaya housing areas and also the residential area which located nearest to the above stated locations as opposed to the gated housing community.

WEATHER CHANGES INFLUENCE THE CRIME ACTIVITY TOWARDS THE QUALITY OF LIFE

The controversy over weather changes will lead to more stress, less social control, reduced social support, criminal tendencies, more possibilities for crime, and societal conflict. The factors driving criminal activity have received much attention, and voluminous literature has related the incidence of changing weather changes to criminal activity. However, weather variables can affect the environment and human behaviour differently. For example, past scholars found that homicidal crime has a connection with the weather change. However, although studies look at the relationship between crime and weather change, the source of the data is debatable. In addition, empirical studies showing the relationship between property crime and weather change are challenging to obtain because none can be found. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the pattern of criminal activity based on weather changes to address this situation. In this paper, the research methodology uses quantitative data. The crime data were gathered from the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), and the weather data was gathered from Meteorological Department for Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor from 2011 to 2020. The data were analysed using SPSS statistical and illustrated in the bar graph method to identify the pattern and relationship between crime and weather. This study found that non-aggressive and property crime is less influenced by the high temperature but influenced by the ambient temperature and humidity. Future research on the relationship between crime and weather towards the quality of life of people must be theoretically grounded and use measures of crime and weather that are justified by the quality-of-life index theory.

Combating Daesh: Insights into Malaysia’s Counter-Terrorism Experience and the Deradicalisation of Former Detainees

Malaysia is no exception when it comes to the Daesh threat. Several vulnerable Muslim populations have been previously targeted by Daesh via specific modus operandi to fulfil the terrorism agenda. Based on a persistent concern about Daesh-related issues and their consequences, this article critically explores the role of the security agency, the Counter-Terrorism Division within the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), in addressing Daesh radicalisation in Malaysia. It examines the process and effectiveness of the top down and ‘soft’ approaches undertaken by the RMP via the rehabilitation and deradicalisation of former Daesh detainees before they rejoin society. The research is qualitative, and is based on a focus group discussion and in-depth interviews with representatives from the Counter Terrorism Division, terrorism experts, government officials and former detainees. The findings show that the RMP’s efforts to curb Daesh intimidation have been effective in terms of decreasing the number of new terrorism incidents, militant recruitment and the establishment of networks and cells. The introduction of ‘Module 30′, which involves theological and psychological improvement, and civil order, along with vocational training and ‘lifelong-monitoring’, has significantly contributed to rehabilitating and deradicalising the majority of former Daesh convicts in Malaysia, such that they embrace peace and renounce violence and religious extremism.

Cyberbullying : How To Stay Safe on Social Media?

Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter. There is rarely anyone without any of these social media accounts. According to 2020 Internet User Survey by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), 88.7% of Malaysians are internet users. Out of that number, 93.3% of users use social media extensively. Social media has enabled users to connect with family and friends. It has done wonders to small businesses to prosper. It has also empowered communities to grow and prosper. However, there is one dark side to it; CYBERBULLYNG. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, bullying is defined as “abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable by someone stronger, more powerful”. Most of the time, bullying is done when a bully is in the presence of his or her victim. However, in the cyber world, bullying extends beyond the physical presence. The act of bullying can be done 24 hours a day, by anyone at any time. A victim can be harassed with harsh comments via any social media accounts and even through text messages which sometimes invade the victim’s own privacy. There is no clear guidelines and policy regarding cyberbullying. Any form of enforcement is lax due to the nature of the internet being free for all. Thus, it is imperative to empower oneself to understand how to use social media effectively to prevent from being cyberbullied and also NOT to be a cyberbully. There are also tools that can be used in each social media platform to report such cyberbullying issues and also to report to the relevant agencies such as the Royal Malaysian Police and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Supplementary Issue: 2023 Page: S14

Understanding the Legal Framework of Extremism in Malaysia

Malaysia has been no stranger to extremist events that lead to terrorism. Since before independence and into the 21st century, violent extremism that typically occurs in the name of religion has been reported in newspapers, online, and on social media. However, the nation does not remain dormant and is actively engaged in combating and defeating terrorists. In terms of the history of terrorism in Malaysia, the majority of plots were vanquished in their earliest stages. The authorities in Malaysia, the Royal Malaysian Police with two specialized units in combating violent extremism, the Criminal Investigation Division and the Special Branch Unit, accomplished the mission with unwavering commitment. Additionally, these two interdependent units collaborate with other government agencies to prevent the spread of domestic terrorism. In addition, the existence of three acts, the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act of 2012 (SOSMA), the Prevention of Crime Act of 2013 (POCA), and the Prevention of Terrorism Act of 1959 [Act 769] (POTA), which have been enacted to combat terrorism, gives the country the ability to protect public safety effectively. Depending on a person’s understanding and knowledge, the detention of those who have been accused of terrorism can be viewed from a variety of perspectives. The understanding of the act that protects national security should be disseminated so that the public does not misunderstand the country’s authorities. The authorities who enact and approve the use of these acts must ensure that they do not violate human rights and are applied appropriately. Besides legal approach, educational approach by the authorities is one of the best solution to encounter the terrorism phenomenon in Malaysia especially to those in Higher Education Institution (HEI).

Understanding Factors Influencing Crime Prevention Information on Social Media

Social media has transformed policing practices and help to facilitate crime prevention efforts. Despite numerous studies on social media and policing in recent years, not many that focused specifically on source factors of message design and their perceived impact on crime prevention information. This present study aimed to address the gap, by investigating public perceptions toward crime prevention information posted by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) on social media. Here, crime prevention information on social media refers to any form of communication related to crime. The study was conducted to provide preliminary insights to our research in crime prevention on social media. A survey was carried out involving 400 active Malaysian users of social media in the age range of 18-34. The findings revealed that, the public’s interest in crime prevention information on social media was primarily motivated by information seeking and sharing. Videos, written texts and infographics were found to be the most preferred social media content. The public in general, perceived police’s crime prevention information on social media positively. Out of the three different factors tested, credibility was found to be the significant predictor that can influence public’s perceived impact of crime prevention information on social media. It was also found that, public perception can influence behavior intention to access and share crime prevention information on social media. This study provided a basis for effective utilization of social media for crime prevention.

Exploring the Characteristics of White-Collar Criminals: A Cross-Case Analysis

Many countries have faced the issue of white collar crime long time ago. With concern to the crime, this study conducted to explore the characteristics of white-collar criminals in Malaysia. A qualitative method has been implemented in conducting this study by using case study approach. Ten selected officers from two agencies namely Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) have been interviewed to know their views and opinions towards this issue. To have a rich finding, a semi-structured interview was used as an instrument. Besides, a cross-case analysis also added to compare the similarities and differences of the results. From the interviewed, results revealed that, exploits his/her position, lack of religiosity, lack of integrity, lack of value, rule violator, smart and strategize, careless, does not know about the punishment, educated, ego, habit and professional were the characteristics mentioned by the participants. Among the characteristics, lack of integrity was noted and agreed by both agencies. The findings showed that the characteristics of individual involve in white collar crime were varied. It also become the factor contribute to white collar crime.

Factors Influencing Online Purchase Intention among Staff from Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) Headquarters

Factors Influencing Online Purchase Intention among Staff from Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) Headquarters

The VSP App Adoption by Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) in Law Enforcement

This study aimed at discovering the factors of VSP app adoption by RMP in law enforcement particulary towards crime prevention. Using qualitative methodology of case study design, significant discoveries were obtained through in-depth interviews with five VSP Enforcers from the Crime Prevention and Community Safety department or Jabatan Pencegahan Jenayah dan Keselamatan Komuniti (JPJKK) of Bukit Aman representing the Royal Malaysia Police. The NVivo 12.0 software was used in the process of open, axial and selective coding. The data were analzed by applying the thematic analysis. The result indicates that the RMP utilizes VSP application due to five salient factors that are; VSP acts as a prevention tool, identity protection, an espionage medium, comprehensible and last but not least, RMP utilizes VSP app in law enforcement in particular to prevent crime due to its functionality.

Analysis of Woman Fiqh Jihad Based on Selected Malaysian Woman Extremism Cases

Statistical information shared by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) suggests women engagement in religious extremism groups has increased in recent years. There is an urgent need to address the severe cases of extremism involving women abroad to prevent a similar incident in Malaysia. Hence, this study examines women jihad fiqh's issues based on the local background, and factors contributed to their interest. The study employed a qualitative method by collecting documentary reviews of the extremist group's publications and interviews with PDRM officers and the selected deradicalisation experts. The result indicates that Malaysian women's engagement in extremist groups is caused by the ideological influence and the pursuit of marrying a "jihadi". Nonetheless, it did not alter the legal status of fiqh jihad that had been deliberated by the scholars on the extremist groups. Therefore, women's involvement in extremist groups in the name of jihad should be constrained accordingly.

Securitising Irregular Migration, Refugees, and Potential Security Threats in Malaysia

This paper deals with the question of how the influx of irregular immigrants, particularly refugees, and their protracted stay in Malaysia has developed into a matter of security in the country. The fundamental objective of this paper is to analyse the potential threats often associated with the issue and the response from the Government of Malaysia. Qualitative data for this paper was obtained through open-source materials and semi-structured interviews with public officials from government enforcement agencies like the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), the Immigration Department of Malaysia, and officers from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Besides, various reports from non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and news media helped to collate and provide a comprehensive analysis of the subject matter. This paper employed securitisation theory to explain how the issues related to the influx of refugees and their protracted stay in the country, especially during the Covid-19 situation, were transformed into security agenda by the securitising agents and the subsequent measures taken to combat the threat.

Polemik Rang Undang-undang Suruhanjaya Bebas Aduan Salah Laku Polis 2019 (RUU IPCMC 2019) dan Rang Undang-undang Suruhanjaya Bebas Tatakelakuan Polis 2020 (RUU IPCC 2020)

The Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) Bill 2020 was enacted to replace the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) Bill 2019. This Bill contains 47 Clauses compared to 60 Clauses in the previous Bill. The IPCC 2020 Bill was enacted to enhance the integrity of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), reduce misconduct among PDRM members and encourage public confidence in the police force. However, the IPCC 2020 Bill still invites controversy and negative connotations that deserve attention. This paper looks at the issues that have arisen regarding these two bills.

Relationship Between Social Support, Religiosity, and Academic Expectation on Suicidal Ideation Among University Student

According to the report by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) found that a total of 638 suicides were reported in Malaysia between January and July 2021, an increase of 143% compared to the same period last year. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in an adolescent aged 15-19 years and for every single suicide case, there are more cases involving suicide attempted. The purpose of this study is to identify the level of suicidal ideation and the relationship between social support, religiosity, academic expectation and suicidal ideation among university student. Quantitative approach is used for this study and survey questionnaire as the research tool. This study focused on university students as the respondents by using random sampling technique. The questionnaire distributed for 350 set, and only 301 respondents answered the questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Program was used for descriptive analysis. The finding of the study is that most of the students have moderate level of suicidal ideation. The suicidal ideation is also has a significant and positive relations with social support, religiosity and academic expectation. In a nutshell, the suicidal ideation among university students is moderate. It also can be conclude that suicidal ideation has significant and positive relationship towards social support, religiosity and academic expectation. The finding of this study provides a deeper understanding of suicidal ideation in the future.

THE LEGAL PROOF OF MACAU SCAM IN MALAYSIA

Although there are 5218 Macau scam cases reported since January to October 2020, from the total of the cases, 1420 cases were charged and 2676 were arrested by the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP). This fact can be considered as strong evidence to proof that Macau scam is getting increasingly serious and has the potential to become even worse in the future. Therefore, this study is conducted to investigate the legal meaning of Macau scam, the relevant provision in Malaysian Statute, the methods of proving and the standard of proof applicable in convicting Macau scam crime. Empirical methods of investigation based on available reported cases about Macau scam or fraud are developed herein. Application of such methods will analyse each of the issues highlighted in this study. This study found that Macau's scam means that the fraudulent act deliberately cheats someone to get fast money by making them suffer a loss of money. Besides that, there are provisions that may be applicable to Macau scam; as one of the forms of fraud contained in the Penal Code (Act 574), Section 24, Section 25, Section 415, Section 170 and Section 420. Reviewing cases of fraud as the basis for the Macau scam, it was explicitly stated in most cases that the burden of proof rests with the prosecutor or the group who wished to allege the Macau scam. The standard of proof in civil trials is in the balance of probabilities. The impact of the study is on phone users; victims of Macau scams and legal practitioners in Malaysia. Future studies may be conducted in the field of legal remedies for a Macau scam crime.

The Determinants of Indulgence in Corruption Among Law Enforcement Personnel in Malaysia

This study investigated the determinants of indulgence in corruption among law enforcement agency personnel in Malaysia. This study focussed on three law enforcement agencies in Malaysia, the Royal Malaysia Police Department, the Road and Transport Department, and the Immigration Department. The Fraud Diamond Theory was used to form the framework and develop the hypotheses. It concerns corruption among law enforcement personnel using the four elements: capability, pressure, rationalization, and opportunity. There were four hypotheses developed in this study. The researcher used face-to-face and online surveys (questionnaires) as data collection method and the participation of respondents was voluntary. 150 questionnaires were issued for the collection of data through an online survey and face-to-face interviews. The data collection process took two months, from May 2020 to June 2020. In the earlier part of the data collection process, 63 questionnaires were obtained, while 79 questionnaires were received towards the end of the period. Based on the findings, there is a significant positive correlation between self-influence and family influence-related and the indulgence in corruption among law enforcement personnel. This research indicated that family pressure and self-influence attributes were accepted. However, another two attributes namely public perception and peer pressure, were rejected. This study has important implications for national or international policymakers to acknowledge that anti-corruption policies play a crucial role to curb corruption among law enforcement agencies and understand the need to adopt these anti-corruption policies according to each nation’s economic and cultural context. Keywords: corruption, indulgence in corruption, law enforcement, fraud diamond theory

Police's and victim care officers' beliefs about memory and investigative interviewing with children: Survey findings from Malaysia

AbstractYears of psychological research has demonstrated that the use of investigative interviewing methods based on up‐to‐date scientific evidence is important to ensure the reliability of child witnesses' statements. Ideally, professionals working with children are equipped with knowledge of memory functioning, as erroneous beliefs may impact how they handle cases of alleged abuse. Fifty police officers and 23 victim care officers serving the Royal Malaysian Police completed a 20‐statement questionnaire assessing beliefs about memory functions and child investigative interviewing. The police sample also read a child sexual abuse case vignette and listed the questions they would ask the alleged victim in an investigative interview. Consistent with findings from other parts of the world, the beliefs of child protection professionals were not always in line with the latest memory research. Directive‐type questions were used more than option‐posing and suggestive questions. Findings are considered in relation to variations in culture and legal systems.