Malaysian cities fear rising crime

LETTER | From shopping malls to LRT stations, you are repeatedly reminded to be beware of thieves and to exercise care over your wallets and personal belongings.

Even car parks have put up signage cautioning you to alert of hidden dangers that could leave you hurt by snatch thieves, maybe even kidnappers and rapists.

Now, even our radio stations see DJs belting out such warnings.

Well, the truth is Malaysian cities are gripped with fear by a rise in potential and eventual crime.

Just the other day, even a top police officer's car was stolen within an hour when the driver stepped out for a quick meal in Kajang.

Residential areas all over the country are plagued with fears of house-breaking and we have lost count of the annual number of robberies.

Is this normal for this century? Is this the common experience in all countries?

Why is it when other cities around us are developing and the developed world is becoming increasingly safe for citizens and tourists, we, instead, are drowning in danger?

It is time for the government to include public and personal safety as an integral item on their reform agenda.

There needs to be a national budget over restricted timeframes to make an impact. Maybe even appoint a special body to drive this "Safe City Agenda".

We cannot let the country continue to slide into a deep pit of fear which grips citizens and even visitors.

There needs to be national effort amongst all civil society groups including NGOs to convene and search for solutions.

Development and progress must include safety and security. We have been witnessing a country fast sliding down the slope and being notorious for public and personal safety.