Crime the number one worry for Malaysians, survey finds

PETALING JAYA: A survey by the International Islamic University Malaysia’s (IIUM) Communication department has shown that crime is the number one concern among Malaysians.

IIUM lecturer Prof Datuk Seri Dr Syed Arabi Idid said the results of the nationwide study, conducted between April 6 and 14, showed that crime had surpassed economic woes as the main worry.

One out of every three adult respondents said crime had become a national problem.

“While the results of a survey in March 2008 found that the state of the economy was the major anxiety among Malaysians, this has slowly given way to concern over crime,” he said.

Dr Syed Arabi said in March and April 2013, Malaysians also identified security as the second major problem after the incursion in Lahad Datu, Sabah.

However, in April, there was a drop in perception to 15% from 25% recorded in March.

Dr Syed Arabi commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for his recent declaration of war against crime.

He said the Government’s call to the people to empower themselves to fight crime and its pledge to do whatever it took to battle crime was timely.

Dr Syed Arabi said the rise in crime and reduction in public confidence in the police could be due to slow enforcement and increased publicity on crime cases.

He said more involvement between the public and police in combating crime could be the solution.

“The setting up of the Crime Prevention Department by the police is a step in the right direction.

“Better enforcement and quicker response will also help reduce crimes and deter would be criminals,” he added.