Malaysia - SMS Hotline Available to Report Crime

Description

Since 2006, police in Johor, Malaysia, have maintained an SMS hotline for reporting crimes. The SMS reporting capability is in addition to the state police agency's voice number 07-221 2999. Citizens can file complaints or report crimes by sending a text message to 32728, typing "JOH" then followed by their complaint.

A survey completed by the police in mid-2012 found that 75 percent of the public were unaware of the SMS-based hotline. As a result, a public information campaign was conducted to increase citizen awareness. The SMS-based program would be particularly valuable to individuals who are hearing or speech impaired and unable to use standard voice communications.

The Johor police's system is in addition to the standard 24-hour 999 emergency hotline used for all types of emergencies. More recently, in early-2013 the police released their free "Community Alert" app for IOS and Android devices which enables users to quickly contact police as well as include their GPS location with the information being transmitted.