Police urge public to report crime via VSP app instead of posting on social media

PDRM urges the public to report crime and viral incidents through the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) app rather than sharing them on social media.

SHAH ALAM: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has urged the public to optimise the use of the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) application to channel information on crime or viral incidents faster and more safely, rather than posting them on social media.

Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK) director Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said spreading information about criminal incidents before making an official report could affect the efficiency of enforcement action.

“We have the VSP, and the public should use the application. It is true that complaints used to be made physically at police stations, but today’s social media platforms demand that we work harder and be proactive. The instructions from the PDRM leadership are very clear so that viral issues are addressed swiftly and proactively in the interest of public safety.

“The VSP application is often used to notify police about balik kampung trips during festive seasons, when in fact it can also be used to report other cases. That’s why we (PDRM) encourage the public to register,” he said.

He said this after the 10th Police Undergraduate Voluntary Corps (SUKSIS) passing-out parade and presentation of appointment certificates at Dewan Agung Tuanku Canselor (DATC) UiTM here today.

Elaborating, Noor Hisam said PDRM’s special unit always monitors the spread of information on various digital platforms to ensure that there is no perception that enforcement authorities are not responding to current security issues.

“The widespread use of the VSP application not only allows reports to be channeled transparently, but also helps enforcement authorities respond in a timely manner,” he said.

As such, he said PDRM would continue to strengthen efforts to promote VSP registration nationwide to ensure that interactive communication channels between the police and the public could be maximised.

Meanwhile, on issues related to the school environment, Noor Hisam said that police, through JPJKK, was also enhancing the role of school liaison officers (PPS) and the frequency of patrols to curb bullying issues among students.

“The involvement of Mobile Patrol Vehicles (MPV) Units and Motorcycle Patrol Units (URB) will be stepped up in school areas to establish a police presence as an early preventive measure, including working closely with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and State Education Departments (JPN) through regular meetings.

“In addition, school managements are recommended not to hide any bullying cases for the sake of protecting their reputation, but instead immediately report such cases to the police for a transparent investigation without protecting any party,” he said.