KUALA LUMPUR: The surge in juvenile crime is a national concern that needs immediate coordinated action, said Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
He said this when contacted on Saturday (Aug 9).
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said most Malaysian youths live productive lives.
He said a vulnerable segment is being drawn into crime due to social neglect, broken families, peer pressure and poverty, and added that a lack of guidance, harmful online content and substance abuse also contribute.
"Juvenile crime is not merely a legal issue, it is a social one. It reflects the breakdown of key institutions such as the family, school and community," added Lee.
Lee said many young offenders come from homes marred by violence, neglect or the absence of parental supervision.
He added that others face challenges in under-performing schools or lack access to positive role models and recreational facilities.
"In such circumstances, the lure of gangs, easy money and drugs can be powerful," he said.
Lee said punitive measures alone will not solve the problem. Prevention must start early and be rooted in community-based approaches," he said.
These include strengthening the family unit, ensuring quality education, providing access to counselling and mental health services and creating safe spaces for youth engagement.
"There must be more proactive outreach to at-risk children through schools, NGOs and local authorities," he said.
Lee also called for stronger rehabilitation measures to give young offenders a second chance through restorative justice programmes, vocational training and education.
"The juvenile justice system should be child-friendly and focused on reform rather than punishment," he said.
Lee urged the government to improve data collection and research on juvenile crime to understand trends and target interventions.
He also called for collaboration between schools, police, the Social Welfare Department, civil society and the private sector on a national strategy against juvenile delinquency.
"We owe it to our young generation to ensure they grow up in an environment that nurtures, protects and guides them," Lee said.
"Only through prevention, early intervention and rehabilitation can we address the root causes of juvenile crime and build a safer, more compassionate society," he added.
