KUALA LUMPUR: Greater crime prevention awareness among women is essential in helping them protect themselves from an increasingly wide range of criminal threats, says Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
He said women today continue to face various forms of crime, ranging from street crimes and sexual harassment to cyberstalking, online scams and identity theft, making public awareness and vigilance more important than ever.
"Women play many important roles in society – as mothers, daughters, wives, professionals, entrepreneurs, students and community leaders.
"They deserve to live, work, travel and enjoy public spaces without fear," he said when contacted on Sunday (June 28).
Lee said while law enforcement agencies have a duty to maintain public safety, crime prevention should be viewed as a shared responsibility involving the entire community.
"Awareness is one of our strongest forms of protection," he said.
Among the crimes that commonly target women are snatch thefts, robberies, sexual harassment in public places, workplaces and public transport, as well as stalking, including cyberstalking through social media.
He also highlighted domestic violence, intimate partner abuse, online scams, love scams, financial fraud, identity theft, online sexual exploitation, blackmail involving personal photos or videos, drink spiking and sexual assault as growing concerns.
Lee said many of these crimes could be prevented or their risks significantly reduced through greater awareness, vigilance and preparedness.
He said crime prevention awareness includes recognising suspicious situations, safeguarding personal information online, practising safe travel habits, reporting harassment promptly and looking out for one another.
"It is not about living in fear, but about being informed, alert and confident," he said.
Lee stressed that ensuring women's safety should not rest solely on women themselves.
He said men, families, employers, schools, community organisations and the authorities all have important roles to play in creating a safer environment.
"Safe public spaces, effective policing, better street lighting, wider CCTV coverage and swift action against offenders all contribute to making women feel safer," he said.
Lee also urged the public to continue educating and empowering women to speak out against crime and violence while fostering communities built on respect, safety and mutual care.
"Together, we can make our homes, workplaces, streets and digital spaces safer for everyone," he added.
