Police target dark, abandoned and neglected spots in nationwide crime drive, starting with Penang

Butterworth, Sept 27 — Marks the start of Malaysia Police's nationwide "Whitening The Black Spot" program, with Penang as its initial pilot region, revealed IGP Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail. Khalid emphasised a comprehensive preventive strategy, involving patrols, focused operations, CCTV upgrades, community programs, safety education, and social interventions.

Forty-one departments and agencies are collaborating under an integrated Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach to enhance safety in Penang. The pilot sites include Bukit Jambul, Sungai Nibong, Kampung Ujong Batu, Permatang Pauh, Sungai Rambai, Pondok Upeh, and Bukit Panchor. Khalid highlighted Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles like lighting, cleanliness, maintenance, and public facilities to deter crime.

Penang police chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng explained that the initiative targets unsafe, high-risk areas such as abandoned buildings and poorly maintained recreational spaces. The program aims to transform blackspots into safer, more orderly neighborhoods. District police chiefs have proposed 38 programmes across five Penang districts, focusing on crime prevention, cross-agency cooperation, and community empowerment for a safer environment.