‘Prevent crime during natural disasters and accidents’

PETALING JAYA: Crime prevention should be integrated into emergency response as some irresponsible people are taking the opportunity to commit crime during accidents or natural disasters, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).

The Malaysian

Crime Prevention Foundation senior vice- chairman said one of the first challenges in the aftermath of such incidents was the provision of basic security and safety for the victims and their properties.

“There have been cases when personal belongings went missing after the victims were involved in an accident or their houses hit by landslides or floods.

“In such a situation, the victims are already vulnerable while personnel from enforcement agencies are busy helping them,” he said in a statement.

Lee said preventive measures and the implementation of community safety principles must be enhanced through developmental prevention.

“This is a long-term strategy that needs commitment and investment from the Government.

“Studies done in countries at higher risk of natural disasters showed that developmental policies could help enhance the creation of all forms of social capital and trust in communities,” he said.

Lee said government policies and programmes must also address economic and social factors as some were driven to commit crimes due to “desperation and upbringing”.

He called upon Malaysians to improve their parenting skills and spend more quality time with their children to help shield them against various social ills that were plaguing the society.