MELAKA: Murder cases in the state witnessed an unprecedented spike of 150% from the beginning of this year to July 15 compared to the corresponding period last year, says Melaka police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Zainol Samah.

He said Melaka Tengah recorded nine cases of murder compared to four last year followed by one case in Jasin district which had zero last year.

“The solving rate of these murder cases is also remarkable,” he said after welcoming his deputy Senior Asst Comm Md Nazri Zawawi at the Melaka police headquarters in Bukit Beruang here on Monday (July 17).

DCP Zainol said unarmed gang robberies also showed an increase of 88% based on the year-on-year data.

He said 45 cases of gang robberies were reported between Jan 1 to July 15 compared to 24 cases during the same period last year.

DCP Zainol said for rape cases, a spike of 17% were recorded where 35 cases were reported between the same period compared with 30 cases in 2022 while most of the victims were teenagers.

However, DCP Zainol said the overall crime indexes for non-heinous crimes had dropped to 61 cases or 7.5%.

He said his men will intensify crime prevention measures including having more patrol units, especially at identified hotspots.

DCP Zainol said the police will also work hard to ensure the safety of tourists, especially during Visit Melaka Year 2024 (TMM 2024).

“We need the cooperation of the locals to continue channelling us information in a bid to slash the crime rates in the state,” he added.