CALL FOR HARSHER PUNISHMENT AGAINST SNATCH CRIME

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) -- A political party Wanita Gerakan (
Malaysian People's Movement Party) has proposed that the
government amend the Penal Code in order to impose harsher punishment against
snatch thieves.

Its chief Tan Lian Hoe also called for a holistic approach in tackling
crime and urged bodies such as the Rukun Tetangga (RT) (a volunteer programme to
help the development of organized community) and village development
and security committees (JKKKs) to help out, with the spirit of "all for one,
one for all" to fight crime.

"There should also be more TV surveillance in crime-prone areas," she
said in a statement, here, today.

Tan, who is also Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister, in
welcoming a proposal by Deputy Home Minister Jelaing Mersat to set up a
committee to fight snatch thefts and Mat Rempit activities, said the committee
should also be represented by women.

Meanwhile, Gerakan's head of Central Bureau on Environment, Safety and
Quality of Life, Dr Cheah Soon Hai, said the culprits of the crime should be
charged with murder if the victims died.

He said heavier punishment would be deterrent to the crime.

"We have witnessed or heard too many snatch theft cases happening almost
everywhere in the country, with some causing serious injuries or even death to
the victims," he said.

He added that safety of the people, especially women and children, must be
protected and everyone must feel safe in their environment.

In KUCHING (capital city of East Malaysia Sarawak state), Women, Family and
Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, who is especially saddened
by the death of two pregnant snatch theft victims recently, called on the courts
to impose heavy penalties for the crime.

She said the police should increase patrols and speed up investigations into
snatch theft cases so that the culprits could be brought to court fast and face
the music.

"There should be no mercy for them (snatch thieves) as they often prey on
women and the disabled," she said when visiting a welfare aid recipient at the
latter's house in Kampung Tabuan Drahman.


She said the police, Home Ministry, People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) and
JKKKs and the local communities should come up with a comprehensive plan to
ensure public safety.

In KOTA BAHARU (capital city of east coast Kelantan state in Peninsular
Malaysia), Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat called
for the heaviest penalty possible for Mat Rempit and snatch thieves.

"Give them several strokes of the cane or whatever that can also make people
realise the seriousness of the crime and as a deterrent.

"Some people, especially the young, commit such crime because they have no
fear for God," he said.

-- BERNAMA