MELAKA: State police have appointed its “peace ambassadors”, in a move to disseminate crime awareness among the urbanites and tourists.

       Jonker Walk management committee deputy chairman Datuk Wira Gan Tian Loo is among three other community leaders entrusted to assist the police in maintaining low-crime indexes in the historic city, especially at tourist hotspots.

       Melaka police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Abdul Majid Mohd Ali said the appointments were part of the contingent’s plan to keep the state crime-free.

       “We have three core objectives of appointing the ambassadors to help us combat crime.

       “They will help us to create awareness, as well as ensure our safety campaigns reach the grassroots,” he said after handing over the certificates to the four ambassadors at a tourist police station at Bandar Hilir on Saturday (Dec 11).

       DCP Abdul Majid said his team is taking its community policing effort to a new level with the appointment of these ambassadors.

       “We want the community leaders to be our spokesmen in disseminating crime prevention messages to the community,” he said.

       DCP Abdul Majid said the appointment of the pioneer ambassadors is a pilot project for the contingent before branching out to other areas.

       “The appointment of the ambassadors was also the first of its kind in the country,” he added.

       Meanwhile, Gan thanked Melaka police for entrusting him with the responsibility.

       “It’s a great honour for all the traders at Jonker Walk,” he added.

       The other three appointed were Tan Wei Jian, Lim Sze Huat and Loke Chee Koon.