KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 — Amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act earlier this year have resulted in the arrest of 306 individuals involved in criminal activities.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said since amendments to the Act were made in April, police had been successful in detaining those involved in serious and organised crimes.
The amendments included provisions which allowed a person to be detained without trial for up to two years.
However, Zahid said 10 per cent of the 306 individuals were released as the Act allowed an accused to fight the case, while the rest faced prosecution or detention.
He said the four-member Prevention of Crime Board, headed by a judge, would decide on the course of action on individuals arrested after examining each case.
He that before the Act was amended, it was only used in Peninsular Malaysia but following the amendments, the provisions were now applicable in Sabah and Sarawak.
On a separate matter, Zahid said the Anti-Terrorism Bill was expected to be tabled in Parliament in March.
He said the ministry was preparing a draft of the Bill expected to be completed by end of February.
“We are in discussion with the Attorney- General’s Chambers for their input on the new Bill,” he said.
“We are also working closely and getting feedback from not only legal practitioners but also non-governmental organisations.”
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar welcomed the tabling of the new Bill, which would allow the authorities to combat threats from militants.
“The Bill, if passed, would enable police to address issues related to Malaysian militants abroad when they return home as they pose a threat to our country,” he said.
Zahid and Khalid were speaking to reporters after witnessing the handing over of duties between new Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Noor Rashid Ibrahim and police administration department director Datuk Seri Mohamad Fuzi Harun, who was the acting deputy IGP.
