VIOLENT and property crime dropped by 21.4% in 2020 with 65,623 cases reported, down from 83,456 in the previous year, said chief statistician Mohd Uzir Mahidin.

He said violent crime dropped by 19.5% to 13,279 cases in 2020, while property crime decreased by 21.8% to record 52,344 cases during the same period.

“Among the reasons for the decrease in criminal cases were restrictions on social activities, and inter-district and interstate travel due to the movement control order.

“In addition, stricter enforcement by the authorities and public awareness in enhancing protection from the threat of crime (helped),” he said in a statement today.

Uzir said, based on the record of violent crime cases by administrative district, Seremban recorded the largest decrease in 2020 (40.6%) from 549 to 326 cases

This was followed by Johor Baru (down 36.7%) and Melaka Tengah (down 26.3%), while in terms of property crime, Seberang Prai Tengah, Penang, recorded the highest decrease of 35.8% to 982 cases in 2020 from 1,529 cases in 2019.

However, Uzir said cybercrime complaints received by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission exploded from 10,426 in 2019 to 20,805 in 2020.

“The complaints received are obscene, false, offensive, indecent and menacing behaviour,” he said.

The false element recorded a 117.6% increase from 3,050 in 2019 to 6,637 in 2020.

Yesterday, the department published the Crime Statistics, Malaysia, 2021, which comprised data on the crime index, drugs, corruption, environment, traffic offences, cybercrime, maritime crime and correctional facilities. – Bernama, November 26, 2021.