MCPF Penang collaborated with Pejabat Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang (PSUKPP) and the Centre for Policy Research and International Studies (CenPRIS) USM to organize a Seminar on “Contemporary Issues on Crime & Policing” on 21^st December 2022 at the E&O Hotel,, George Town, Penang. The Seminar, attended by around 150 participants from the Government Agencies, Royal Malaysia Police, MCPF Penang and other NGOs was officiated by YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang who had mooted the idea of the seminar to increase awareness of Crime & Policing. Also in attendance were EXCO for Social Development & non-Islamic Affairs YB Chong Eng, Deputy State Secretary Y.Bhg. Dato’ Mohd. Zakuan Zakaria. In attendance from MCPF Penang were Y.Bhg. Dato’ Ong Poh Eng (Chairman), Y.Bhg. Dato’ Seri K. Pulayantran (Deputy Chairman), Rosli Mohamad Ali (Vice-Chairman [II]), JM Tan (Secretary) and Harikumar Katherasen (Treasurer). Also present were James Mohan (FREPENCA Security Conveners Chairman [also Chairman, MCPF Barat Daya DLC]) and Paramaguru Balan Moghan, (Advisor, Hindu Youth Organization [HYO] Penang [also Chairman, MCPF Seberang Perai Selatan DLC]).

Organizing Chairman renowned Criminologist Y.Bhg. Dato’ Dr. P. Sundramoorthy (Assoc. Prof [Honorary] USM and also Advisor of MCPF Penang) delivered the Opening Paper and also he also moderated the afternoon’s engaging Panel Discussion. Y.Bhg. Datuk Dr. Anis Yusal Yusoff, Principal Fell, Institute of Ethnic Studies, UKM shared on the importance of Integrity in dealing with Crime & Policing duties. In his Official Address, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow shared improving statistics as provided by the Royal Malaysia Police, Penang. He nevertheless, encouraged the community to avoid complacency and stressed that Crime Prevention entailed the collective efforts of all relevant security personnel and the public at large. The distinguished Panel Speakers encompassed Y.Bhg. Datin Paduka Seri Zauyah Be bte T. Loth Khan (Retired Solicitor-General [II]), Y.Brs. Professor Dr. Vicknasingam Balasingam Kasinather (Drug & Medicine Research Centre, USM) and Y.Brs. Assoc. Prof Dr. Azeem Fazwan bin Ahmad Farouk (Director,, CenPRIS, USM). The spectrum of topics included Overcrowding of Malaysian Prisons; Death Sentence versus Life Imprisonment; the Paradox of Drug Policy; and, Policies dealing with Crime & Policing. Kudos to Dato’ Dr. P. Sundramoorthy and the Organizing Committee!