THE Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation welcomes the measures announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to address the rising crime rate in the country.

The measures include hiring of contract police personnel, installing more closed-circuit television cameras in buildings and public places, setting up more police stations and fast-tracking the recruitment of police personnel (”Crime rate up 13.4 per cent” - NST, Jan 19).

More resources should be made available to make the streets, public places and homes safe.

Some of the above-mentioned measures should have been implemented earlier but as the saying goes, it is better late than never.

In its New Year message, the foundation called on the government to bolster efforts to fight crime.

The measures are in line with our call to the government to do more to fight and prevent crime.

The renewed commitment by Abdullah is a step in the right direction. It is hoped that the proposed measures will be implemented speedily.

It has been established that crime is the second biggest concern of Malaysians.

Therefore, the government has a responsibility to make Malaysia free not only from crime but also from the fear of crime.

The fight against crime cannot be undertaken by the police alone. It is a task that has to be shouldered by all.

The foundation will redouble its efforts to plan and implement programmes to educate the public about the need to fight crime together.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE, for Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation

Source: NST – January 11, 2008