THE role of the media as a key partner in crime prevention and public safety was highlighted at the Crime Consciousness and Public Safety Society (CCPSS) Media Appreciation Night held at St Giles Wembley tonight.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said CCPSS’s motto, “Consciously Curbing Crime”, aptly reflects the importance of awareness in preventing crime.
“Crime prevention starts with awareness, and it works best when the whole society plays a role. Families, schools, communities, organisations and individuals all have a part to play.
“When people are informed and alert, prevention becomes much more effective,” he said.
Chow stressed that the media plays an especially crucial role in today’s fast-moving information landscape, where news spreads within minutes, particularly through social media.
“In this environment, accurate reporting and responsible sharing matter more than ever.
“When information is clear and timely, it helps people stay calm, informed and prepared,” he said, adding that media platforms are powerful tools for raising awareness on scams, safety concerns and emerging crime trends.
He also noted that Penang was regarded as one of the safest states in Malaysia last year, a reputation that must be continuously upheld through collective effort.
“We cannot take safety for granted. It requires constant cooperation and attention from everyone,” he said.
With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 underway, Chow said public safety takes on added significance as Penang prepares to welcome more visitors.
“We want visitors to feel safe and comfortable while they are here. I hope organisations like CCPSS, together with the media and the wider community, will continue to play an active role in keeping Penang a safe place to live in and visit,” he said.
Chow also expressed concern over the rise in scam-related crimes, particularly those targeting senior citizens, citing a recent case where a Penang retiree lost more than RM1 million to an investment scam.
“These cases remind us how convincing and sophisticated scams have become. That’s why public awareness is so important,” he said, urging CCPSS to organise more scam-prevention programmes in collaboration with the police, community groups and the media.
Media night organising chairman Prof Dr Tan Yen Wooi echoed the importance of close cooperation between CCPSS and the media, describing journalists as partners rather than observers in public safety efforts.
“We firmly believe that public safety is a shared responsibility, and the media is one of our most important partners.
“We do not treat the media merely as observers; we see you as partners in public safety,” he said.
Prof Tan said CCPSS is committed to supporting the media by providing accurate, clear and fact-based information, free from speculation and sensationalism.
“Information without context can create unnecessary fear.
“Our shared goal is awareness, not alarm,” he said, adding that CCPSS also supports ethical reporting and collaboration on public education initiatives, including cyber safety, crowd prevention and community safety.
“A safer society begins with an informed society, and an informed society depends on responsible journalism,” he further commented.
Media personnel representing their respective news agencies were present at the dinner, where each one of them received a token of appreciation and a certificate to recognise their contribution to the news scene in Penang.
Among those present during the dinner were Consul-General of Japan in Penang His Excellency Machida Shinya, CCPSS strategic advisor Seah Kok Heng, CCPSS chairman Datuk Zainudin Ahmad, and Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) chairman Tan Sri Dr Tan Khoon Hai.
Also Present were Datuk Seri Khaw Kok Chin, former Director of the Narcotics Investigation Department, Bukit Aman, who is a respected leader known for his unwavering commitment to integrity, strategic vision, and public service.
Throughout his career, he has consistently offered positive guidance and forward-thinking ideas, contributing meaningfully to initiatives aimed at strengthening community safety and social well-being. His continued support and visionary advice have been instrumental in advancing the mission and objectives of CCPSS, inspiring confidence and long-term impact.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Zainulfaqar Yaacob