The police have proposed alternative legislation to replace the Emergency Ordinance (EO) 1969 which was abolished in 2011.

“We have proposed one or two alternatives to the Home Ministry but are not at liberty to divulge the details yet,” said inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar.

“The important point is if it’s approved, the legislation will help combat crime,” he said after attending a gathering with the residents of Mentari Court in Petaling Jaya today.

Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was recently quoted as saying that more than 2,600 detainees in Simpang Renggam, Johor had been released following the abolishment of the Emergency Ordinance but a number of them have returned to crime.

Also present at the gathering were acting Selangor police chief A Thaiveegan and Subang Jaya police chief ACP Yahaya Ramli.

- Bernama