The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) are redoubling efforts to reduce crime such as gambling, vice, gangsterism and human trafficking to a minimal level.

NONE Federal CID director Mohd Bakri Zinin said among the measures taken were to increase the number of raids on gambling premises and prostitution centres.

"Under the operation codenamed 'Ops Dadu' up to November, a total of 18,897 raids were carried out compared with 16,071 raids on illegal gambling premises last year. In the raids this year, 16,511 individuals were detained, with 55,049 gambling machines seized," he told reporters at Bukit Aman, here today.

During the World Cup football in South Africa last June, a total of 270 raids were carried out involving an average bet of RM1 billion while the value of cash seized was RM9.9 million, said Mohd Bakri.

He said that throughout last year, gambling syndicates had suffered an average of RM1.4 billion in losses with a total of RM11.9 million in cash being seized.

A challenging year ahead

Mohd Bakri said the police also worked hard to prevent vice with 10,825 foreign women being detained from the 16,940 raids carried out during the operation codenamed 'Ops Noda' up to November this year. During the previous year, 13,283 raids were carried out with 11,224 arrests made.

As for the year 2011, he said the police would intensify efforts and improve their strategies to reduce crime and at the same time raise the level of performance of the force.

He said the force would also continue to raise the preparedness level of its personnel to achieve this objective.

"The year 2011 is a challenging one for the PDRM because we will raise our performance in giving the best service to the community," he said.

He pointed out that the community too must play a role in assisting and cooperating with the police to reduce crime.

- Bernama