December 05, 2008      Categories: Mailbox
Malay Mail

One cannot help but feel unsafe when travelling around residential areas in Klang Valley during this economic downturn because of the rising crime rates. So it is not unusual to see barricades and guard houses in residential areas.

But have we created a phobia about security in our neighbourhoods or is the issue of safety and security being politicised as suggested by Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar?

Why are people relying more on foreign security guards for protection in our neighbourhoods rather than our own national police force?

As we know most roads in residential areas belong to the public. Any taxpayer has the right to access these roads. The security guards have no authority or right to forbid anyone from accessing these roads. Furthermore, we have read of many cases of burglars, thieves and robbers in smart attire and luxury cars.

Households pay towards this extra security. Residents are willing to come up with the money. One wonders why can't the Police and residents complement each other in combating crime rather than rely on foreigners for protection?

This is definitely an urgent matter for all concerned. The setting up of barricades in residential areas constitutes a legal problem.

People are placing their trust more on the untrained foreign security guards rather than our trained Police for safety and security today.

It is definitely going to erode the image of our nation and even reducing the confidence of foreign investors.

Loh Seng Kok
Ex-MP of Kelana Jaya & MCA Central Committee