The Penang state government will work with the police to reduce crime especially around George Town area.

 

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said a reduction in crime index for Penang is not enough as "residents must not only be safe but feel safe".

 

"If you don't feel safe, it doesn't matter how much the crime index has reduced," Lim said at a press conference.

 

Lim vowed that his government will work closely with the police to make George Town safe.

 

He noted that crime nowadays often involve criminals from other states or countries.

 

"This is a challenge for us. They commit the crime and then leave or go home," Lim said.

 

"Perhaps they see the progress in Penang. I am not saying locals don't do crime, but they now face competition from outsiders," he added.

 

Lim was referring to several cases of crime around George Town, including one on Jul 8 where a tourist was confronted by a snatch thief along Jalan Ah Quee.

 

However, the thief was caught by the public, Lim ( left ) said.

 

Another case involved tourists from Hong Kong who were approached by bogus cops when walking along Lebuh Pantai and Jalan Penang.

 

The two men had showed "documents" to the tourist couple, and demanded that they produce their passports for checking.

 

They were then robbed of RM6,000 and suffered light injuries in a scuffle with the bogus cops.

 

Northeast district police chief Mior Farid Alatrash told the media that the situation in George Town is under control.

 

However, he has instructed more police personnel to monitor the situation around the area.

 

He also reminded the public to be cautious of bogus cops who ask to see their identification during so-called "spot check" operations.