The recent case involving Israeli national Avitan Shalom’s conviction for possessing firearms and ammunition without a permit in Malaysia has sparked considerable controversy, especially due to the relatively lenient sentence he received. On Wednesday, Shalom pleaded guilty to both a primary and alternative charge under Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960. After considering the…
In civil democratic societies, the use of physical force by prison authorities is highly regulated and should always adhere to principles of necessity, proportionality, and respect for human dignity. Even when inmates protest, especially if they are unarmed, force should be used sparingly and as a last resort. Recently, based on several police reports, the situation…
Kuala Lumpur is the third most dangerous city in Southeast Asia and the fifth highest in Asia, according to Numbeo’s Crime Index 2025. Regardless of ranking, it is important to understand that each country has its own set of criminal laws, and the definitions of crime can vary significantly. Some acts that are considered criminal…
Private healthcare providers in Malaysia play a crucial role in society, offering specialised services, advanced technologies, and often quicker access to care. At the same time, they are a business entity, and like any other business, they must be financially viable to sustain operations to continue providing those services. However, the core question lies in…
On Jan 22, a 19-year-old man lodged a police report in George Town, Penang, that his father, an inmate at the Taiping Prison in Perak, had died from an abdominal injury caused by blunt trauma. According to the police report, the 62-year-old was taken to Taiping Hospital, and died on Jan 17. The report added…
The recent successful operation by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), led by Bukit Aman’s Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department director, Datuk Seri Khaw Kok Chin (main image), deserves immense praise. His leadership and the dedication of his brave men and women in blue have dealt a significant blow to an international drug syndicate. The seizure of…
The recent debate over banning the use and sale of vapes in Malaysia touches on several critical issues, particularly the potential consequences of such a ban and the broader implications for public health, the economy, and law enforcement. The specific concern about whether a prohibition will create a new market for the criminal world, similar…
Violent crimes, property crimes and narcotics-related offences have risen since the suspension of arrests under the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (Poca) following a Federal Court ruling in 2022, according to the deputy home minister as reported recently. Such an increase raises important questions about the role of preventive laws like Poca in deterring crime….
