Bad news: It seems like we have to attend a kick-boxing class, anyway!
Despite a drop in the crime rates based on the recent NKRA report, but of course the recent incident at MidValley and also The Curve might tell otherwise.
The authorities may come out with such “feel-good” numbers, but we have a different situation happening at shopping malls.
Let’s not forget that the police recently detained an Egyptian over RM1.17 ATM heist at a hypermarket in Wangsa Maju.
As part of my work assignment, I had the opportunity to speak to two important figures: Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Vice Chairman of the M'sia Crime Prevention Foundation and activist Hoong Ling, who is also President of Voice of Women of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
“Shopping mall operators should do a background check of their security guards for any criminal record with the police,” says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. “Security guards should do more instead of just sitting and walking around. Use a bicycle to patrol around the car park. Car parks should be lighted up. This is to ensure it will not give opportunity for criminals to commit crime.”
Adds Hong Ling, “Buggy service at certain malls could have buggy drivers double up as security guards, more installation of police panic buttons, brightly lit area and increase of guards/monitoring during peak hours.”
Some may say the events that took place as “one-off” but given magnitude and impact of the story, especially by the press, many are in fear.
Let's ask the following questions:
Are we gonna avoid public places?
Are we going to change our routine? (Perhaps take public transportation instead of driving to the malls?)
Are we going to live in fear... forever?
Is fear going to stop us?
Again, if we take the shopping mall case as an example. Most of us (at least most of the people i know), we love to hangout at the malls just to chill, have dinner with friends and a way to avoid the heat.
Now, what can be done? What can shopping mall operators do to increase their security operations? What can we, as individuals, do to ensure the safe of ourselves and fellow good citizens of this country?
As individuals, as much as we can practice whatever we’ve been taught in self-defense class, we can only do so much when facing a difficult situation. Should we hold on to our belongings or let it go? Is your life more valuable than your material possessions or is it vice-versa?
That's our part but what about other stakeholders? For example, shopping mall operators should comply with the regulations set by the local council [Click here more info] Are they doing enough?
A similar question was posted on @501Awani Twitter account and here are some responses:
@sultanmuzaffar
Kita memerlukan petugas pengawalan yang faham Bahasa Melayu atau Inggeris, bukan sekadar "merah", "hijau".
@jasmeenz
Have women only parking
@syed_izan
Pak guard iring ke kereta..upon request.
@reiskandar
Proper lighting. Just because it's a parking doesn't mean it needs to be gloomy.
I am not an expert to give proper advice, but here are my thoughts:
- Let’s try to be extra careful, especially when we’re in the car park.
- Always remember where you parked your car, instead of going “Aiyor, is it P1 or P2... Column A21 or B6?
- From the escalator/elevator exit, just go straight to your car!
- Have your keys ready and enter the car quickly with your items before locking the door again.
Of course, it is easy to say such things, unless when confronted by a thief.
Let me end this post with a quote from Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye: “We can do more to reduce crime rates bit it is not realistic to think of a nation free of crime. Crimes happen anywhere, everywhere and in every country. Malaysia is no exception.”
When we step out, we can do EVERYTHING that is right to ensure our safety but can we really GUARANTEE our safety?
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by Syafique, founder of motivationMY.com
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