KUANTAN: The Pahang Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) created history for the first time with the involvement of a royal family member among the its top office-bearers.
The son of the state ruler Tengku Fahd Mua’adzam Shah Sultan Ahmad Shah was elected the new state deputy chairman for a two-year term until 2016.
State MCPF chairman Datuk Seri Johny Ch’ng Ewe Gee was re-appointed to helm the organisation for the third consecutive term.
Other newly elected office-bearers were vice-chairman (1) Datuk Seri Aditajaya Awang Alwi, vice-chairman (2) Datuk S. Jeyamalar, secretary Rumli Mohamad and treasurer Datuk Chang Hong Seong, who was the former Teruntum assemblyman.
Sultanah Pahang Sultanah Kalsom was present to witness the presentation of appointment letters to the committee members, followed by a group photograph.
When met later, Ch’ng expressed gratitude to Sultanah Kalsom for giving her consent and blessings to Tengku Fahd to participate actively in the organisation.
“Sultanah Kalsom is very concerned about the welfare of the people, especially on the crime situation in the state.
“She believes that Tengku Fahd can share his experiences overseas and contribute much to the organisation in crime prevention efforts,” he said, adding that MCPF was proud, honoured and motivated with Tengku Fahd’s inclusion in the new state line-up for the betterment of the society.
Ch’ng said one of the immediate aims of the new committee was to secure a new and bigger building within two years in a prime location within the town.
He said this would enable counselling, motivation talks and sports to be organised for students and youths so that they would not be led astray.
“Plans are also in the pipeline to conduct outdoor motivation camps and visits to installations such as fire station and prison.
“This can be included as part of the activities of uniformed bodies in instilling discipline and putting across a message that crime does not pay,” he said.
Ch’ng said another proposal was to set up an MCPF gallery in Taman Gelora or Taman Teruntum to display disused armoured vehicles.
He said 10 such vehicles had been presented to him by the armed forces, police and Fire and Rescue department to be refurbished and displayed.
“We hope to set up the gallery by year-end to attract locals and outstation visitors,” he said.
In view of the coming festive period, Ch’ng said MCPF would work closely with the police to deter crimes in the neighbourhood.
He said before leaving their homes, the public should ensure all doors and windows were properly locked and lights switched on.
“Despite having a firearm and CCTV surveillance system, I make it a habit to check my house before going to sleep.
“In crime prone areas, residents can form a voluntary squad to carry out regular patrolling,” he said, adding that another alternative was to collect money from every household to hire security guards.
Ch’ng said combating crime was a joint responsibility and the people should never be totally dependent on the authorities.
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