Kampar, Jan 16 - UTAR’s majestic Grand Hall was bathed in a shade of navy blue , as the university hosted a dialogue session between a delegation from the Malaysian Royal Police(PDRM) and members of the UTAR community earlier today.

The event was held to promote PDRM’s ‘High Profile Policing’ programme, and was attended by an entourage of over 40 PDRM personnel, including PDRM Director of Management, Yang Dihormati Chief of Police Dato' Mortadza Bin Nazarene, Perak Chief of Police Yang Dihormati Deputy Chief of Police Dato' Pahlawan Mohd Shukri B. Dahlan, as well as UTAR President Dato’ Dr. Chuah Hean Teik.

In his speech, Dr. Chuah expressed his appreciation of the police’s efforts in maintaining the safety of UTAR and its community. He also urged students to do the same.

“We should appreciate the harmonious and safe environment we have in Kampar. We should look upon the police as our friends, and not be scared of them.” he said.

This was echoed by Dato’ Mortadza, who also urged students to join the Rakan Cop programme as it would increase students’ safety saying “I am confident that if more students join the Rakan Cop incentive, together we will be able to significantly lessen the amount of crimes that happen here.”

“The students will be our extra eyes and ears, to assist us in our efforts in stopping wrongdoers.” he added.

The Director also described a number of new upgrades designed to improve the efficiency of the force under the new High Profile Policing programme, including upgraded facilities and a more engaging police force.

The dialogue session included a number of interesting questions regarding gambling and drug problems, as well as queries regarding the future plans of the PDRM. A number of students also enquired about the prospects of joining the police force, and the role of women in the modern PDRM. Dato’ Mortadza explained that despite the low percentage of female officers (10.3%), PDRM welcomed more and more applicants, especially women.

UTARians were also treated to an interesting visual exhibition by the PDRM on key aspects of crime in Malaysia, including various types of drugs and dangerous weaponry, as well as one of the PDRM patrol motorcycles.