Deputy Internal Security Minister Mohd Johari Baharum has conceded that there can be confusion over the crime index.

"I get the index from the PDRM (police), not some websites. And some caese are reopened after investigations, so there is the possibility for slight differences in the numbers," he said during the supplementary estimates debate in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

Johari (BN-Kubang Pasu) was responding to opposition leaders who demanded for an accurate and latest crime index in the country, especially in Sentul, an urban settlement in Kuala Lumpur.

"I've gone to Sentul, and we will find a way to curb the increasing crime rate in the city," said the deputy minister.

According to him, the ratio in this area is one police officer for 1,800 people. "I've instructed a special force alongside the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) to patrol the city," he said.

Johari also urged the opposition to give positive feedback and suggestions to help the police and not debate over the crime statistics.

To this, Chong Eng (DAP-Bukit Mertajam) responded by saying that if the government is one to receive suggestions, it would have implemented Royal Police Commission's suggestions

Police cars

Baharom also refuted Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang's assertion that the police are not using 2,000 patrol cars as there is not enough allocation for drivers and these cars are parked in police stations for show.

"We have enough drivers. Morever the additional emolument of RM28 million is for the 2,000 drivers," replied the deputy minister.

He also said that the new cars need to be equipped with communication sets before they can be used.

The cars are also in good condition and under warranty from Proton. "We always take into account the condition of the cars," he said.

"We regularly identify good quality workshops and we are also training mechanics and technicians in the police force," he added.