Kuala Lumpur: The Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) sees the need to review several outdated crime prevention laws to better address current challenges. Its director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said that among the laws to be proposed for review by the Home Ministry are those concerning punishments for offenders involved in gambling, prostitution, and vehicle theft, which are now seen as either irrelevant or too lenient, especially as the modus operandi of these crimes has evolved.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, crimes such as gambling and prostitution have grown increasingly sophisticated due to advances in information technology. Mohd Shuhaily highlighted that prostitution syndicates no longer operate from a fixed location, with bookings now made via phone and payments transferred online. This evolution in criminal activity poses challenges for law enforcement, as apprehended individuals might claim that the act was consensual, complicating the arrest process due to the lack of an identifiable victim.
Mohd Shuhaily noted that the approval of gambling premises falls under the purview of local authorities, with the police responsible only for conducting security checks. The complexity further increases as the definition of gambling-related activities varies between states, particularly regarding family and interactive entertainment centres.
He also pointed out concerns regarding Section 379A of the Penal Code, which deals with vehicle theft. The current maximum prison term of seven years is deemed insufficient, as vehicle theft has become a syndicated crime with international connections. Investigations have revealed that some stolen vehicles are sent overseas and purchased by organised crime groups involved in fraudulent activities, necessitating stricter laws and harsher punishments.
Touching on the proposed amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act (POCA) this year, Mohd Shuhaily expressed hope that the changes would be approved to effectively tackle criminal activities, particularly serious crimes.