The Prevention of Crime Act 1959 () is a Malaysian law which establishes the procedure for arrest and detention of individuals suspected of belonging to a criminal organization, including groups involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking and terrorism. It grants the police power to arrest and detain an individual without trial for up to 60 days.
History When it was proposed back in January 1959, the Malayan government claimed that the main purpose of this legislation is to offer "greater protection to the public from gangsters". The Ministry of Interior and Justice in a statement released on 22 January 1959 cited that rising activities of secret society members, gangsters and extortionists have raised significant public concern, while the existing and ordinary criminal procedures are "inadequate" in dealing with such organized criminals, therefore the need for this legislation. A police spokesperson also revealed that there are around 15,000 gang members present in the country, with 12,000 of them being active members. The bill was tabled to the Federal Legislative Council of Malaya on 18 February 1959, and was unanimously passed on the next day. The law officially came into force on 1 April of the same year.
Structure The Prevention of Crime Act 1959, in its current form (1 December 2015), consists of 5 Parts containing 23 sections and 3 schedules (including 12 amendments). Part I: Powers of Arrest and Remand Part II: Inquiries Part III: Registration Part IV: Consequences of Registration Part IVA: Detention Orders Part V: General Schedules
References
External links Prevention of Crime Act 1959