07/07/2026 11:04 PM

‘Crime Buster’ B.D. Henry Recalls Life On Malaysia’s Frontline

SUNGAI BULOH, July 7 (Bernama) -- ACP (Rtd) B.D. Henry was once feared by organised crime syndicates, particularly in the 1970s, for his uncompromising crackdown on serious criminal activities that earned him the nickname ‘Crime Buster’.

The former Selangor Criminal Investigation Department chief, who retired from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in 1986, was also involved in operations against communist insurgents and served during the May 13, 1969 racial riots.

Recalling his 35 years of service with the police force, the 94-year-old Henry said his career began in 1951 during the British administration, when he underwent training under British officers.

He said policing during his era demanded immense sacrifice and constant vigilance, as officers risked their lives not only in combating organised crime but also in facing threats from communist insurgents.

According to Henry, he and his colleagues had to remain on high alert at all times as organised crime syndicates and communist insurgents frequently targeted security personnel.

“At that time, we had to remain vigilant because the communists could attack the police at any moment. Fighting crime was equally challenging because criminals knew the registration numbers of police vehicles, so even when we were at home, we had to stay alert,” he told reporters here today.

He said this after receiving a welfare visit from the Selangor Malaysian Retired Senior Police Officers Association (RESPA) at St. Mark’s Cozy Home welfare home in Kampung Baru Sungai Buloh here.

Elaborating on his experience, Henry said he served with the Police Field Force in Ipoh, Perak, in 1968 for almost five years and took part in demanding security operations along the Malaysia-Thailand border.

Recalling his experience in the capital during the racial riots, he said police personnel worked continuously for days without the opportunity to bathe to ensure public safety and restore order.

Meanwhile, Selangor RESPA chairman Datuk Zakaria Yusof said the visit to Henry was to offer moral support following the death of his wife last month.

The visit, which was also attended by former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Ismail Omar and former Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Dell Akbar Khan, reflected RESPA's commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its members.

-- BERNAMA

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