An average of eight students are arrested on a daily basis for various crimes, revealed the Internal Security Ministry in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Its deputy minister Chia Kwang Chye said 1,836 students were arrested by the police between January and August.

"We are concerned with the statistics but the situation is considered to be under control," he told Ismail Mohamed Said (BN-Kuala Krau) during the question session.

Selangor recorded the highest number of cases with 270 students or 14.7 percent, followed by Kedah with 237 and Perak 227.

Malay students topped the list, accounting for 1,516 of those arrested, followed by Indians at 132, Chinese 119 and 69 of other races.

Chia said the police did not have a record on how many of these students have been charged in court.

In a supplementary question, Ismail questioned why the number of students arrested was on the rise. He said 1,499 students were detained for criminal offences last year while 1,429 were arrested in 2003.

Responding, Chia said the figures were "almost the same".

He said various measures had been taken by the authorities, including enhancing relations between the police and schools, to tackle the problem. This includes the 'police liaison officers' programme implemented since 2000.

"Sometimes, the police will find students involved in truancy which does not amount to committing an offence, therefore the liaison officer will inform the school,"he explained.

Errant cops

In another development, Chia said 1,164 police personnel or 1.29 percent of the police force faced disciplinary action last year. This included suspensions and terminations.

In 2003, 1,138 police personnel or 1.31 percent had faced disciplinary actions.

Chia, who was responding to a question from Rosli Mat Hassan (BN-Dunggun), also revealed that nine police officers and 46 personnel were arrested by the Anti-Corruption Agency between January and July for allegedly accepting bribes.

Rosli also asked if there had been changes in terms of discipline in the police force after the formation of the Royal Police Commission.

"It is too early to assess this or arrive at the conclusion that there are changes and positive effects. This is because it (the force) needs a change in mindset, attitude and culture which requires a long period," replied the deputy minister.