PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today launched his book "Prevention of Crime Act (Poca): Nafas Baharu Banteras Jenayah' book" (A New Lease on Crime Prevention), which detailed his involvement in reviving the Act.
Zahid said he took two years to write the book which centres on his experience and knowledge of being directly involved in the process "to breathe a new life" into Act which was established in the 1950's.
"It was a long and difficult process. It started with long discussions during cabinet meetings, followed by a series of engagement with the public at town hall sessions.
"Seminars and forums on crimes were also held, to get views and response from the people on the Act.
"Each and every view voiced by people from all walks of life were studied and debated at Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara," he said in a statement on the book-launching.
Zahid said the Act was revived through an amendment in 2013, to address the increase of crime in the country.
"The amendment is made based on current environment where crime is becoming more complex following the advancement in information, communication and technology (ICT) which created a borderless world.
The book contains five chapters and 315 pages including detailed explanation, pictures, tables and diagrams related to Poca, published by the Institute of Public Security of Malaysia (Ipsom).
Zahid said would serve as a quality reading material and an authoritative reference to the subject, Zahid said.
"It definitely took a long time to complete the book as we want to make sure not a single fact was left out."
Priced at RM100 per copy, the book has been sold 3,000 copies nationwide.