UTAR hosts High Profile Policing programme

With rising concerns on the social ills and crime among the youth in the country, Polis DiRaja Malaysia (PDRM) initiated a programme known as 'High Profile Policing" which was held at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, UTAR Perak Campus on 16 January 2013 for UTAR staff and students.

The programme saw the presence of senior-ranked officers from Bukit Aman, the State Police Contingent as well as the Kampar District Police at the UTAR Perak Campus. The senior-ranked officers present were PDRM Director of Management YDH CP Datuk Mortadza bin Nazarene, Perak Chief Police Officer YDH DCP Dato' Pahlawan Mohd Shukri Bin Dahlan, PDRM Principal Assistant Director of Management (Human Resource), YDH SAC Dato' Aishah binti Mohammad and Commandant of PDRM College YDH SAC Dr Yew Chong Hooi.

Welcoming the PDRM delegation were UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato' Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Planning and Development Committee Advisor Tan Sri Hew See Tong, Council Member Mr Hew Fen Yee and Vice President (Student Development and Alumni Relations) Associate Prof  Dr Teh Chee Seng.

Besides creating awareness on crime prevention among students, the PDRM-initiated programme also aimed at forging better rapport between senior-ranked officers of PDRM and the UTAR community. Building a closer relationship between members of the two institutions will not only enhance trust and confidence but also collaborative efforts related to safety and security of the community.

The programme was first expanded to schools nationwide and now to institutions of higher learning with this programme held at the UTAR Perak campus being the first in the state of Perak.

In his welcome speech, Prof Chuah extended his gratitude to the police force for their unwavering dedication and support to the University since its inception in 2002 and also since Perak Campus' first intake of students in 2007. He shared with the audience that he truly appreciates the efforts by PDRM especially the Kampar District Police for patrolling the campus daily and for their participation in various activities in the campus such as delivering safety talks to students during orientation weeks. 

"The police are our friends. Therefore, students, we must remember to appreciate the harmony and the safe environment in Kampar. At the same time, we must do our part and help to contribute towards safety and security wherever we are," urged Prof Chuah.

Prof Chuah also expressed his gratitude that UTAR students were given this opportunity and a platform to forward their questions and concerns on matters related to safety and security in person to top PDRM personalities in the country in a dialogue session. The dialogue session saw Datuk Mortadza gladly answering questions posed by several UTAR students which include topics ranging from pressing social issues to career opportunities in the police force.

Datuk Mortadza, in his speech, assured the audience that PDRM is dedicated to protecting the citizens by reducing and preventing crimes. He also sounded a clarion call for the close co-operation and interaction between the community and the police. "The community knows best about their surroundings and can provide useful information for the police to combat crime. Likewise, the students can be the eyes and ears of the police," said the down-to-earth officer whose humour and wit had the audience in stitches throughout his speech.

UTAR students and staff also took the opportunity to visit the exhibition booths set-up by PDRM. Handy tips and information about road safety, crime prevention and related exhibits reinforced the importance of awareness on safety and security.

The event came to an end after a souvenir exchange between UTAR and PDRM, signifying the close ties forged between the two institutions through such an initiative.

Public Relations student Eric Moo Hong Yuen directing his question to Datuk Mortadza in the Q & A session.

Datuk Mortadza delivering his speech

PDRM sets up exhibition booths providing handy tips and information to students

Students admiring the latest police superbike on display

Prof Chuah receives the PDRM souvenir from Datuk Mortadza

A post-event photo symbolising the close ties forged between UTAR and PDRM.

High Profile Policing - a good platform for UTAR students and staff to build bridges with senior-ranked officers of PDRM.

The arrival of the PDRM delegation at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik