Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said focus must be given to address the negative perception against the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).

Zahid, who is also home minister, said this negative perception was also prevalent against other enforcement agencies.

"I think this perception in the country does not only happen to PDRM but all departments, particularly those involved in enforcement.

"So, I think the way to correct this perception is by connecting so that the rakyat will be closer (to enforcers) and they will understand and know the real situation," he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

Zahid cited as an example the fall in car theft crimes but people still had the perception it was still high.

"But the fact is that is not true," he said.

As such, he urged the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department to step up its activities and build a bridge with the community to correct such erroneous perception.

Zahid also urged all quarters to be ‘colour blind’ in combating crime.

"Colour blind is not only in the sense of nabbing Malays or non-Malays.

"Colour blind also means (addressing) all forms of crimes, including organised crime or any other criminal activities that threaten the country," he said.