KUALA LUMPUR: Budget 2026 stands out as one of the most decisive national efforts to strengthen law enforcement and restore public confidence in security institutions, say anti-crime NGOs.
Malaysians Against Rape, Assault and Snatch Theft (Marah) founder Dave Avran said while the figures and initiatives are impressive, the funds must be managed properly and in a transparent manner, he said.
“Large budgets for asset acquisition and enforcement, if not managed transparently, can easily become fertile ground for misuse of power and corruption, as has repeatedly been the case.
“Procurement for patrol boats, surveillance systems and digital equipment must be subjected to strict open tender processes,” he said when contacted.
Tools like behavioural analysis systems, cyber surveillance and data integration must come with strong privacy safeguards and independent checks to prevent abuse, he cautioned.
“Transparency must be the watchword. Open tenders, independent audits and parliamentary oversight will determine whether these billions truly serve the rakyat or serve someone else’s vested interests,” he said.
He also lauded the move to draft a comprehensive Cyber Crime Bill and strengthen the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), now directly under the police, as both timely and strategic.
“With scams and online fraud surging nationwide, placing the NSRC under police management and funding it with RM12mil shows the government’s intention to respond faster and coordinate more effectively across agencies.
“The enhanced role of the police’s D11 division in combating online child sexual exploitation and the RM20mil to modernise digital forensics and set up a Behavioural Science Unit are long overdue and reflect an understanding that today’s criminals are increasingly digital and psychologically complex,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Home Ministry said the increase of RM1.7bil in funds for the ministry in Budget 2026 signifies its crucial role in strengthening national unity and security.
The ministry said it has been allocated RM21.2bil under Budget 2026.
“It is an increase of RM1.7bil or 8.71%, compared to RM19.5bil previously.
“The ministry said the higher allocation underscores its crucial role as a catalyst in the Madani Economic Framework, especially in national unity and security,” it said in a statement.
The funds will be spent on readiness and asset upgrades for uniformed bodies under the ministry, it added.
“The budget reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding public security, strengthening border controls, combating cyber and sexual crimes, and enhancing the welfare of enforcement personnel in line with the Malaysia Madani vision, which aims to ensure all Malaysians live with dignity, protected rights and a good quality of life,” the ministry said.
The ministry said Budget 2026 demonstrates the government’s seriousness in empowering enforcement agencies to better protect public welfare, curb revenue leakages, tighten anti-smuggling measures and enhance joint operations involving security forces.
“The funds will further strengthen Malaysia’s enforcement agencies,” it said.