A framework of challenges facing the safe city programme in Kuala Lumpur

Abstract

The Safe City Programme was launched one and a half-decade ago in Malaysia as one of the National Key Result Areas (NKRAs) strategy to curb crimes. However, the crime rates, in particular in Kuala Lumpur (KL), have shown little evidence of abating. Little is understood of the actual challenges facing the programme. Therefore, questions have been raised and many researchers are attracted to focus on this scenario. Thus, this study aimed to assess local players’ views of the challenges facing the safe city programme in KL and to provide a framework for the prevention strategies. The research involved qualitative in-depth interviews with key players in the area of safe city, crime experts and officials, and community heads. Themes and a framework were formulated through thematic analysis. The results showed that the understanding of a safe city programme could be differentiated through the lens of sustainability and resilience challenges, as well as their levels of prevention. Thus, the grey area of tertiary prevention strategies could be identified and strengthened.