Criminals disrupt public order everywhere but the police always become the target of public criticism. The police force has been accused of poor maintenance of law and order. The public want to live and work in peace. They want a stable and ordered society. All these seem to be the police's responsibilities.

The police always stress that the fight against crime is everyone's responsibility. But when crimes outbreak around us like infectious diseases, the people always complain that it is impossible to guard against crime.

The police believe that it is very subjective to say so. In fact, the most basic preventive measure to be taken by the public is to know how to take care of themselves.

Major crimes are specific cases

Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department chief Senior Assistant Commissioner II Ku Chin Wah believed that recent major crimes are specific cases instead of organised crimes. And thus, public do not have to be on tenterhooks.

He said that many people may think there are many cases recently but they are not clear what the cases are. Are they murder cases? How many of them? What kind of murder? Could these be avoided?

It is undeniable, said Ku, that some murder cases are indeed very cruel but he believed that most of these are one-to-one cases, which involved only a murderer and a victim.

Rape cases can be prevented

Ku said that no one can prevent murders but other criminals like rapes can actually be prevented.

For example, he said, majority of the rape victims are under 16 years of age and most of the crimes are committed by acquaintances or with the victims' willingness, just like date rapes.

“Such cases can actually be prevented by themselves and the police have no way to help you on that,” said Ku.

He said that the public always complain that it is hard to prevent crimes. In fact, it is a very personal and selfish view. Everyone wants freedom and convenience. For example, some residents complaint about frequent apartment burglaries but when security guards started to tighten security, the residents would get angry and wonder why the guards must check their visiting friends.

“Some people have money to buy big houses but are not willing to spend money on alarm system. It is in fact the most basic prevention measure.

“Meanwhile, some leave a huge amount of money withdrawn from a bank in their cars, aren't they giving culprits a chance?” said Ku.

As for the problem of illegal foreign workers, Ku said: “When construction sites and wholesale markets need manpower, they would have thought of reqruiting foreign labourers, the cheaper the better. And thus, they took illegal foreign workers. However, they tried to abandon these labourers when they do not need them anymore. As a result, these illegal foreign workers have no way to go. Who are actually creating problems here?" (Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/Sin Chew Daily)

Part 1: Where Is The Safe Place?
Part 2: The Fight Against Crime Is Everyone's Responsibility
Part 3: Finding The Clues
Part 4: Self Protection