KUALA LUMPUR: The government is taking proactive steps to curb the escalating trend of violent crimes, scams and other social issues that are plaguing communities across the nation, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said with the rapid rise of digital and communication technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years, a fresh and effective approach was needed to address the root causes of the menaces.
"The nation was startled recently over the cases of brutal murders until it became polemic on social media platforms. It is unimaginable how someone could behead, decapitate and mutilate a victim's body, and then dispose and leave it to rot.
“Among the victims was my former officer, Felcra worker Sabari Baharom, who was murdered and had his body dumped into a river. The rise in suicide cases is also worrying," Ahmad Zahid said during the launch of the National Social Policy (DSN 2030) at the World Trade Centre here on Monday (Oct 21).
He noted that suicide cases rose by 10% last year compared with 2022. He said according to Talian Heal 15555, a psychosocial support helpline, out of 342 calls received over the past two years, 138 cases involved attempted suicide.
Ahmad Zahid said family values were also declining, leading to a rise in divorce and cases of abuse involving children, the aged and the disabled.
He said cases of cyberbullying were also on the rise.
"Cyberbullying led to the death of a TikTok user recently. Then we have cases of scams, road bullies and drug abuse. The government has never kept mum on these issues and has always taken strategic steps in addressing it.
“I believe if we want to be a developed nation, we need to shape our minds, mentality with a first-class attitude. Only a mature and resilient generation can create a community that is balanced mentally, emotionally and withstand all challenges," said Ahmad Zahid.
He added the government was studying ways to resolve the overcrowding of prisons in the country, which has a capacity of 74,000, but is currently occupied by 87,000 prisoners.
Ahmad Zahid said the country needs a comprehensive social policy to spur its socioeconomic development agenda, adding that he hopes the DSN 2030 will achieve this.
He noted that the DSN 2030 will see multiple ministries working hand-in-hand to address the country's social ills.
Ahmad Zahid said among the plans was to form a social digital services platform to collaborate with the private sector and non-governmental organisations on matters related to mental health, welfare, employment and education with the use of AI.
He said other plans were data analysis for crime prevention and promoting social values through the media.
"We are hopeful the DSN 2030 will steer the social direction of the nation, identifying and resolving issues holistically.
“If the policies are executed effectively, we could be in the top 25 of the Human Development Index and Corruption Perception Index," he said.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who was present at the event, said various challenges, including mental health, child protection and social issues have become the main focus of the nation.
"Economic development alone is not enough to ensure the wellbeing of the people. We need to ensure every individual, regardless of their background, is entitled to their rights and gets equal opportunity to grow. “Through the DSN 2030 as an umbrella policy to other social policies, the ministry hopes to build a better future and instil good human values," she said.
