All state chief police officers (CPOs) have been directed to take more concrete measures to ensure that the target of reducing the crime index can be achieved.

Inspector-general of police Ismail Omar said currently the people were still not fully convinced about the capability of the police to meet the target.

"I'm aware that the people in this country are still haunted by the numerous crime cases, and what is important is that we continue with our efforts," he told reporters in Ipoh today.

Under the National Key Result Area (NKRA), the government targeted a reduction of 20 percent in the street crime index and five percent for overall crime at the end of the year.

Ismail was also convinced that the Royal Malaysia Police could achieve the target set.

Image tarnished by one or two cases

At the same time, he asked all levels of the police to strengthen the force in terms of discipline.

"I believe that the human capital currently is generally in good condition although there are still one or two cases that could tarnish the overall image of the force," he said.

Ismail had earlier attended the handing over of duty of the Perak chief police officer from the acting CPO Zakaria Yusof, who is also the Perak deputy CPO, to Mohd Shukri Dahalan.

Mohd Shukri, who was previously the Terengganu CPO, was appointed as the Perak CPO, succeeding Zulkifli Abdullah who has been transferred to Kuala Lumpur.

- Bernama