Violent and property crimes in Melaka show an increase for the first quarter, with police outlining traffic plans for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays.
MELAKA: The state’s crime index increased by 2.9% for the period from January 1 to March 16 this year. A total of 318 index crimes were recorded, up from 309 cases in the same period last year.
Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said violent crimes saw a 6.3% rise to 67 cases. He attributed part of the increase to rape cases not involving force against underage students, alongside cases of causing serious injury.
“Robberies without firearms have decreased,” Dzulkhairi told a press conference. Property crimes also increased by two per cent to 251 cases this year.
This rise was driven by more theft and motorcycle theft cases compared to the 246 property crimes recorded last year. The press conference was held after the Ronda Santai Panjut Pelita programme at the Batang Tiga Police Station.
Separately, Dzulkhairi outlined traffic preparations for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays. He said about 300,000 vehicles are expected to enter Melaka during the festive period.
Congestion is anticipated in areas like Melaka town, the Simpang Ampat roundabout, and routes to the Ayer Keroh Toll Plaza. A total of 166 traffic police personnel have been deployed to manage traffic and reduce accidents.
They will focus on 10 hotspots and seven blackspots around the state. Op Lancar Aidilfitri will be implemented in two phases from March 19-21 and March 27-29.
The broader Op Selamat 26 safety campaign began today for a six-day period. Earlier, Dzulkhairi explained the purpose of the Ronda Santai Panjut Pelita programme.
He said it aimed to monitor personnel readiness and allow creativity in decorating oil lamps for Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The programme also sought to strengthen ties between the police and the community.
Three police stations were visited: Simpang Bekoh, Hutan Percha, and Batang Tiga.
