All it needs is better security

The Straits Times Saturday Jan 6, 2006 concurs with DAP's memorandum to Johor menteri besar and police chief regarding solving the sky-rocketting crime rate to lure back tourists, particularly from neighbouring Sinapore. The momorandum has put foward 14 proposal, including upgrade of hardware, crackdown of beggars and drug addicts and providing better service to the tourists.

However, the effectiveness of these suggestions is to be doubted. Johor Bahru is well-known for its infestion of snatch-theives and robber, yet residents do not see the effort that police force put in. When a victim lodged a report, instead of comforting him with promise of neccessary action, he is investigated as if he is the suspect. Bureaucracy and red-tape are only in favour of the growing crime rate. How can such an insecure place woo tourists who wants to relieve from their busy working schedules?

Moreover, government policy is as ineffectual as the police force. Punishment for a snatch-thief is only 9 years jail term. However, the criminal not only maim or even kill his victims, he also impede the development of tourism by giving the country bad reputation. Not a few weeks ago, Headline of FIRST snatch thief was sentenced to 12 years in jail for money laundering and theft was in the limelight on the frontpage of New Straits Times. After 12 years in prison, he will continue enjoy driving his Honda Accord and Proton Perdana, as well as living in his mension with $50000 in his pocket. To deter the snatch theft, the government should introduce more severe punishment.

Besides, the party also overlooked the fact that most involved in the crime are illegal immigrants. Nevertheless, Malaysia need these low-paid workers in manufacturing sector as Malaysia, unlike Singapore, does not have a large proportion of highly skilled workers to completely transform to knowledge-based economy, low labour cost is still a requisite.

Perhaps the government should reconsider over the choice of having a share in 3 trillions world tourist industry or allowing the influx of low-paid foreign workers at the expense of social dysfunction and dropping tourist arrival.