Police taking part in community activities can help to manage and improve the public perception toward police in crime prevention activity.

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) National Key Result Areas (NKRA) secretariat chairman Datuk Ayub Yaacob said police must get know the people who lives in their surrounding areas especially the place where the are on duty.

“The 27 per cent was a number to show the declination of the crime rate. However, we cannot depend on the figure as the benchmark of anything we did.

"It may give a slight sense of relief to public but it still can’t change the public perception toward police action.

"That's why the engagement with the public is a must for every policemen so that they know the people in their surrounding,” said Ayub during an exclusive interview with Analisis Awani today.

Ayub also said that the policemen have to analyse all sectors of society he or she is attached to.

“The analysis is needed so that the approach can be done to suit the community,” he said.

He added that police also need a ‘trans ministry’ cooperation with other government agencies and departments including Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela), Civil Defence Department, Volunteer Patrolling Scheme and Rukun Tetangga units in effort in fighting crime.

“We will look at their roles, how they can help us in reducing crime and boost public confidence," he said.

With this approach, public will feel and appreciate the efforts taken by the police.

Ayub added the constant security patrol by police on certain areas and communities will also boost interaction between police and the public.