Home Minister Responds to Forbes Advisor Ranking Kuala Lumpur as Fifth Most Dangerous City in Southeast Asia
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has announced that his ministry will review the Forbes Advisor report that recently listed Kuala Lumpur as the fifth most dangerous city to visit in Southeast Asia. This announcement comes in light of the report’s stark contradiction with the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2024, which positioned Malaysia as the 10th most peaceful country globally.
Contradicting Reports
The Forbes Advisor report placed Kuala Lumpur among the top five most dangerous cities in Southeast Asia, alongside Yangon (Myanmar), Manila (the Philippines), Jakarta (Indonesia), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), and Bangkok (Thailand). This ranking has raised concerns given Kuala Lumpur’s reputation and recent commendations for peace and safety.
On the other hand, the GPI 2024, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace in June, highlighted Malaysia’s high ranking as one of the world’s most peaceful nations. This notable disparity between the two reports has prompted the Home Ministry to scrutinize the Forbes Advisor’s methodology and metrics.
Ensuring Public Safety
Saifuddin emphasized the commitment of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) to maintaining public safety and order, regardless of external analyses. “I take it [the Forbes Advisor report] as a statement made by Forbes. Regardless of the analysis, the commitment of the Royal Malaysian Police is towards ensuring public safety and order, and this is under our purview,” he stated during a press conference after the ministry’s monthly assembly.
The minister’s remarks underscore the government’s focus on prioritizing the safety and well-being of its citizens and visitors, ensuring that Kuala Lumpur remains a secure destination.
Reviewing Forbes Advisor Metrics
Saifuddin noted the clarity of the GPI’s metrics, which consistently rank Malaysia as a peaceful country. However, he stressed the need for a thorough review of the Forbes Advisor’s criteria before making any further comments. This review will help the ministry understand the basis of the report and address any areas of concern it highlights.
Conclusion
The contrasting reports by Forbes Advisor and the Global Peace Index have brought Kuala Lumpur’s safety into the spotlight. While the Forbes report has raised eyebrows, the Malaysian government’s commitment to public safety remains unwavering. The upcoming review of the Forbes metrics will provide a clearer picture and help ensure that Kuala Lumpur continues to be seen as a safe and peaceful city on the global stage.
