Alliance for a Safe Community Chairman & Founder Tan Sri Datuk Seri (Dr) Lee Lam Thye.
KUALA LUMPUR: More Malaysians should be actively involved in crime prevention activities in their communities and neighbourhoods as criminal activities are a major concern, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said daily occurrences of crime and the trauma felt by victims bear testimony to the seriousness of the matter.
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"We cannot recall a single day without a crime being committed in our community. Crimes are a threat to public safety.
"Many crimes and instances of violence are committed by young criminals," he said in a statement on Wednesday (July 19).
"This is a challenging time for the police force. It must use every means at its disposal to fight crime and protect the public.
"It should relentlessly pursue its anti-crime agenda and put in greater efforts to fight and prevent crime," he said.
Lee added that criminal activity is a reminder that the people must never take their safety and security for granted.
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"The fact that crime is a major concern for Malaysians reflects the growing public consciousness (that there is a) need to fight crime and adopt a zero-tolerance approach," he added.
Lee said the increasing public concern was also an indication that Malaysians want to see more efforts to tackle crime and they are not taking it lightly.
"More Malaysians should come forward to participate in crime-prevention programmes and activities initiated by either their own residents’ associations, trade organisations, or other NGOs," he said.
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Lee believes the ultimate objective is to instil or inculcate a culture of crime prevention among communities so that no one takes safety for granted.
To achieve a higher crime-solving rate, Lee said the police require improved intelligence and information gathering to zero in on targets.
"Public perception is important. Frequent media reports about crime are not going to help improve public perception.
"We have to be conscious of how the public perceives crime and... help not only to build positive public perception but also for the police to earn public trust and confidence," he said.
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"Crime affects everyone and (cuts across) race and gender. As such it is time for all Malaysians to stay focused in their determination to fight crime.
"It begins with crime prevention awareness, and the need to always be sensitive to our surroundings.
"In short the public must always be vigilant, never take safety for granted, and not provide opportunities for criminals to strike," he said.
