Group shares info on crime with cops via WhatsApp

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Naroden putting a flag on a police motorcycle to launch Rakan Cop in Serian. Looking on are Maclaine (left) and Chung (second right).

SERIAN: Community leaders in Kedup are now part of what is believed to be the first WhatsApp group to share information on criminal activities directly with local police.

The channel, launched together with ‘Rakan Cop’ at this district’s police headquarters yesterday, is the brainchild of Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Development) Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais and administered by Serian police chief DSP Chung Aik Pen.

“Phone calls or station visits will take time but through WhatsApp, information can be shared with at least 100 people at the same time,” said Naroden, who is also the state branch chairman of Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF), adding that the local community leaders could use social network to disseminate news and updates from police.

He also called on all community leaders to establish their own links to Royal Malaysia Police Department (PDRM) or other enforcement agencies via social media such as WhatsApp.

“I believe that (being) quick and responsive is a good thing when it comes to sharing good information on crimes.”

Moreover, Naroden encouraged more people here to sign up as Rakan Cop and be the ‘eyes and ears’ for Serian Police.

“Crime happens everywhere. The community must identify and report it to the authorities, either through written reports or the WhatsApp group.”

Meanwhile, Chung said police had put the WhatsApp group to the test during the recent flooding and found it to be very effective.

On another note, he cautioned local residents to be more aware of securing their properties, particularly motorcycles.

According to him, incidents of motorcycle theft have escalated, with 40 cases in the first quarter of this year versus 30 in the same period last year.

“There has also been an increase in rape cases this year to four, although violent crime cases have gone down. Most (rape cases) involve consenting minors but it is still considered statutory rape,” Chung said.

At the same function, Kedup assemblyman Maclaine Ben @ Martin Ben presented Serian PDRM Recreation Club with RM10,000 from his minor rural project (MRP) grant for the body to carry out its activities.