Concepts of Crime Prevention and Vigilantism: Their Relevancies in Malaysia’s Criminal Procedure

Crime prevention generally means action or policy implemented by public authorities in combatting crimes. It is commonly executed by police force or relevant public safety agencies in many countries around the world. In addition, community members are also encouraged to work together with them in preventing crimes from happening in their localities either by joining volunteer units established by the government or public-led patrol groups. Nevertheless, crime prevention efforts could sometimes lead to vigilantism especially where some civilians tend to combat crime beyond the limits prescribed by criminal procedural laws. This study aims to distinguish multiple definitions of crime prevention and vigilantism; and identify relevant statutory provisions on crime prevention in Malaysia. Qualitative approach is utilized in this study by way of analytical and critical in reviewing previous literatures and existing Malaysia’s criminal procedural laws. This paper comprised the following segments – discussions on definitions of crime prevention and vigilantism by dictionaries, government and intergovernmental bodies and scholars; and relevant legal stipulations in Police Act 1967, Criminal Procedure Code and Rukun Tetangga Act 2012. As a result, it was found that prevailing legal provisions are not specific enough in guiding public to combat crime while avoiding vigilantism. Therefore, several amendments and specifications of such laws are vital in ensuring civilians obey and act in accordance with the laws without the need of becoming vigilantes.