Juvenile crime on the rise

THERE is an emerging trend of juveniles being involved in crime and other social ills.Based on police statistics, juveniles involved in crime totalled 7,816 cases in 2013 as compared to 3,700 cases in 2012.

Of this, student involvement in index crime totalled 1,632 cases in 2013 as compared to 1,042 cases in 2012, an increase of 57%.

As for non-student involvement, it totalled 6,184 cases in 2013 as compared to 2,658 cases in 2012 an increase of 133%.

Last year saw a 47% jump in nationwide violent crime among minors, aged between 12 and 17, with some even involved in murder and rape.

Cases of violent crime went up from 368 in 2012 to 542 last year among schoolchildren, while cases involving non-schoolgoing children saw a 137% jump with 2,011 cases reported last year as compared to 849 cases in 2012.

Most minors get into crime because of negative peer influence and elements of gangsterism which are penetrating our schools.

It appears noble values no longer dictate the behaviour of many children as their respect for the law and civic consciousness seem to be diminishing.

Teenagers as young as 12 are dabbling in crime and getting involved in drugs, gambling and other social ills which could affect their future.

These are worrying trends and have to be looked into by the relevant authorities and society in order to find lasting solutions.

Why are our juveniles and teenagers behaving this way?

Why are they disobeying the law to the extent of putting their future in jeopardy?

There are questions that need solutions.

Counselling programmes involving family institutions and the

promotion of noble values are in greater need today than ever before.

Noble values must be preserved and nurtured to act as a shield against the various social ills.

When a nation progresses the family institution could be the first victim with children not getting the attention they need.

Children who return from school find themselves in empty homes as both parents are at work.

There is no one around to show parental love, teach and inculcate good family values.

Instead of seeking guidance from parents they do so from their peers.

With negative influences and peer pressure, an environment will exist which can eventually lead to various forms of social ills.

They can become victims of social ills like truancy, violence in schools, drug abuse and even crime.

If this problem is not addressed it will result in a serious divide between children and parents.

Parents must be increasingly concerned about the quality of family life and must constantly take steps to instil in their children the basic moral values needed to build the foundation for a strong, stable and cohesive society.

What is also needed is a continuous programme of moral strengthening and reinforcement to make the children aware of their responsibilities to themselves, their parents, the community and the nation.

In regard to the respect for law and order, what is sorely needed is leadership by example.

Our national leaders must always set the right example for our younger generation in terms of respect for the law and social order as well as moral behaviour.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Malaysian Crime Prevention

Foundation