Crime and Pollution in Kota Kinabalu

Crime Data in Kota Kinabalu

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Kota Kinabalu's crime data indicates a moderately safe environment with some areas for improvement. Residents generally feel secure, particularly during daylight hours, although there are specific concerns that need addressing.

There is a notable feeling of safety among residents during the day, but marginally less certainty about safety at night, reflecting a common urban dichotomy.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Concerns about property crimes such as burglary and home invasion are present but not overwhelming. The public perceives this issue with mild anxiety, suggesting moderate efforts in crime prevention could enhance feelings of security.
• Drug-Related Issues - Drug-related issues are minimally perceived as a problem in Kota Kinabalu, indicating successful measures either in law enforcement or community programs addressing this concern.
• Violent Crimes - Fear of violent crimes like assault and robbery is low among residents, contributing to a sense of general safety in the city. This suggests effective policing or successful crime deterrence strategies.
• Public Safety - Residents feel significantly safe during the day, reflecting positively on the city’s amenities and public spaces. However, safety perceptions are slightly lower at night, pointing to potential areas for public safety enhancements.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - There is a minor concern about crime rates potentially increasing, although this is not a dominant fear. Keeping an eye on this trend would be prudent to maintain public confidence.
• Specific Fears - With very low worry about being insulted or facing ethnic or religious discrimination, Kota Kinabalu appears to foster a sense of community inclusiveness that's above average.

Summary of Crime in Kota Kinabalu

Overall, Kota Kinabalu remains largely positive in terms of crime safety, with effective strategies seemingly keeping violent and drug-related crimes in check. Continued vigilance and targeted improvements in areas of property crime will further enhance the city’s safety profile.

Crime Rankings

The crime ranking by city for Malaysia is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.

1. Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

2. Klang

Malaysia

3. Johor Bahru

Malaysia

4. Penang

Malaysia

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Pollution remains a concern in Kota Kinabalu, despite some positives. The air quality is slightly above moderate, reflecting issues primarily from urbanization and industrial activity.

Concerns about particulate matter like PM2.5 and PM10 suggest a need for ongoing environmental health measures, especially given the city’s tropical climate.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - PM2.5 levels are slightly concerning, emphasizing a need for continued air quality monitoring and potential mitigation strategies to protect public health.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - While PM10 levels are also raised, they hover at a moderate level. Seasonal changes and urban dynamics could influence these figures, calling for adaptive policies.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise pollution persists as a problem in the more urban aspects of Kota Kinabalu, affecting the quality of life with its continuous presence.

Garbage disposal issues highlight ongoing challenges in waste management, affecting local perceptions of cleanliness and order.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - With significant dissatisfaction in garbage disposal services, improved waste management strategies could enhance public comfort and city cleanliness.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Chronic noise and light pollution problems need addressing to improve livability, especially in central city areas where they are most acute.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

The quality of green spaces is crucial for relaxation and environmental health in Kota Kinabalu, though there is room for improvement according to resident feedback.

Water quality poses concern, pointing to the necessity for improved infrastructure and regulatory measures to ensure safe and reliable access.

• Green and Parks Quality - Green spaces are moderately appreciated, though enhancements could benefit recreational opportunities and environmental resilience.
• Drinking Water Quality - Residents' dissatisfaction with water quality suggests an urgent need for improving water treatment and distribution systems to ensure better public health outcomes.

Pollution Rankings

The pollution ranking for Malaysia is based on a combination of visitor perceptions and data from institutions like the World Health Organization. The Pollution Index estimates overall pollution levels by considering air and water pollution, garbage disposal, and other factors, with air pollution given the highest weight, while the Pollution Exp Scale uses an exponential function to highlight extremely polluted cities.

1. Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia