The Rakan Cop (Friends of the Police) programme will be beefed up as it is seen as the most effective initiative in reducing crime, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

He said for example, so far this month, the police had investigated 1,013 of 1,538 reports lodged by Rakan Cop through short messaging service (SMS).

"The police are confident of Rakan Cop's capability in relaying information and are taking immediate action on their reports. This shows how important is Rakan Cop's contribution in combating crime.

"In line with the Government Transformation Programme 2.0 Laboratory (GTP 2.0 Lab), efforts will be taken to improve and strengthen Rakan Cop," he told reporters during a walkabout in Taman Jasmin, Senawang here today.

He said these include increasing Rakan Cop membership, upgrading its computer hardware and software, enhancing co-ordination of the computer unit, intensifying Rakan Cop promotion, and channelling crime information to members on regular basis.

    

The improvement is important in addressing new trends in criminal behaviour, he said, adding that, "Hence, we need full support and involvement from every Rakan Cop member."

Rakan Cop, which was launched in 2004, now has a membership of over 500,000 nationwide with Perak having the biggest number of members followed by Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

On the walkabout, Hishammuddin said it was aimed at gathering information from the community on the actual situation on the ground and identifying problems in combating crime.

He said while Taman Jasmin's neighbourhood condition and Rukun Tetangga were commendable, residents complained of poorly lit areas and problems posed by foreign workers.

- Bernama