PENANG, 9 July, 2010: Understanding the needs and wishes of the local community is the key for the police's success in bringing down the crime index in the state.

Penang CPO Datuk Ayub Yaakob said the state police initiated various approaches to win over the community including holding Hokkien language classes for members of the force.

"Each move should be wisely implemented and effective in order to meet the needs of the local community. Hence by providing classes to learn on how to speak Hokkien is a way to bring the police closer to the people," he told Bernama.
   
(Hokkien is widely spoken among the Chinese community on the island).
   
According to Ayub, by having a decent command of Hokkien, the policemen and officers would be well received by the local community and this is a value add for the force.
   
"When the local folks are confident and accept the police, they would automatically collaborate with the force in maintaining security," he said.
       
VOLUNTEERS
   
"Many non-governmental organisations and volunteer corps are cooperating  with the police on matters relating to security. They keep watch on their neighbourhood where the police would only assist in monitoring the situation.
   
"This indirectly lightens the police's tasks and it is the result of this  two-way communication that brings confidence to the society," he said.
   
Apart from the Hokkien classes, the police personnel also attended English language lessons as they would make easier communication with the foreigners particularly the tourists.
   
"In Penang, there are many foreign investors, tourists and businessmen. All  should be taken into account and definitely need different approaches in order to resolve problems that cropped out," he said.
   
GETTING CLOSER TO THE YOUTHS
   
Ayub said he also used a specific approach for the police to get closer to the youths by holdings events that they liked.
   
Among the events held were that of 'anti drugs motorbike convoys' and 'youths of the mosque' programmes.
   
"It is not easy to bring the youths to the mosque or surau but we cajoled the group by holding programmes which appealed to them. Then when they arrived at the mosque or surau, they would have no choice but to perform their religious obligations.
   
"To be close with these youths, we have to understand them. Nowadays, illegal street racing has gone down due to the programmes held and the enforcement carried out," he said.
   
In Ayub's words, such approaches are crucial in the effort to ensure that the youths are not trapped by the evil clutches of the bad hats.
   
The influence of their peers, whether good or bad, plays a significant in shaping the youths' character, he said.
   
"Therefore the programmes that we held would get the youths to influence their peers to hear what we have to say for the benefit of their future", he said.
       
COMMANDANT
   
Ayub was born in Batang Kali, Hulu Selangor on Aug 23, 1954. His stint with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in Penang began on Oct 1, 1977 after completing the basic training course for inspectors at the police Training Centre (Pulapol) in Kuala Lumpur.
   
The father of two had also served as the Commandant of Pulapol. Ayub had also served with the Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Terengganu police before returning to Penang.
   
"I began my police work in Penang and now I return to the same state where my previous experience comes handy in many aspects," he said.
   
ADDS CONFIDENCE
   
"Each of the policemen should carry out his duties wisely and efficiently apart from having the skills enabling him to communicate with all," he said.
   
Ayub said the cooperation between the police and public is among the factors that lowered the crime index in the state.
   
He said the Penang police targetted a drop of some five per cent in the crime index for 2010 and until the end of May this year, the crime index had registered a decline of 15 per cent.
   
"Most of the crimes committed were motorcycle thefts. No syndicates were involved but only the youngsters who were out for some fun.
    "
Serious crimes like that which involved weapons were on the decline but the police are on the alert for any possibilities," he said.
   
Ayub said the concept where the police get to the ground under the six National Key Result Areas (NKRA) introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had also contributed to the decline in crime index.
   
Under this concept, policemen and officers on desk duties are also requirred to perform patrols. 'Ops Payung' was also introduced to increase police presence at public spots.
   
"The presence of more police personnel at public spots adds confidence to  the people," he said.