KOTA BHARU: The crime rates in Kelantan dropped by 49 cases or 14.8 per cent in January this year, from 330 in the same period last year to 281 cases.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Hasanuddin Hassan said two crime indices, namely violence and property, also recorded a drop.
"I would like to thank the public who had assisted the police with information to help us carry out duties.
"Although there have been talks among netizens that the information provided has been leaked, but early information came to me and will be worked on until the case is solved.
"In whatever situation, work goes on, especially in fighting crimes, more so during the Chinese New Year's celebrations where almost one million vehicles from the west coast are expected to enter the east coast," he added.
Hasanuddin said this at a press conference after the monthly assembly for the month of February at the Kelantan Police Headquarters (IPK) here today. Also present was Kelantan deputy police chief Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim.
Hasanuddin said his department is targeting a 10 per cent drop in crime index this year.
"Whether it is achievable or not, we will know by end of this year. I believe we can achieve it if the crime situation remains under control.
"At the same time, I am also appealing to the public not to stop providing information to the police, especially in regards to crime and drugs," he added.
In another development, he said, many people, especially teenagers and those in the early twenties, have fallen victims to scammers.
"I hope everyone will be more cautious of messages with unusual requests, and they should first check the validity before submitting confidential information such as account numbers and identity card details," he added.