Snatch theft hurts local tourism industry

Being snatched on the streets has always been a painful experience for Malaysians and almost every Malaysian has their own story of being snatched to tell. Today, even foreign tourists have become victims of the crime. Tourist attractions have now become hot spot of snatch thefts, casting a shadow over the Visiting Malaysia Year campaign.

We have been repeatedly lamented over unsafe streets in the country over all these years. Everyone has been so cautious when they are walking in the streets. Once the sound of an approaching motorcycle is heard, pedestrians, particularly ladies, will become so nervous. They hold their handbags tightly, and try to avoid becoming the next victim. It makes life difficult as people have to live in tension. It has also serious affected the country's happiness index.

The latest tragic incident involved two nuns, who were attacked in an attempted robbery outside a church around 6am. One of the nuns who had been struck on the head with a helmet died six days after falling into a coma. People cannot help but sigh and ask: Where can we find a safe place?

The country's rampant snatch thefts have once been reported by international media. They reminded tourists to stay vigilant when visiting Malaysia. Meanwhile, tour guides have from time to time reminded foreign tourists to take good care of their personal belongings. It is indeed not a good sign. Of course, we cannot act cowardly like an ostrich, and we are obligate to take care of the safety of our guests. We also never forget to tell others that Malaysia is still safe. Data showed that with the police efforts in fighting crimes through various measures, there are signs showing a decrease in snatch theft and other crime rates.

Snatch thefts had gone quiet for some time but it seems to have returned recently. More foreign tourists have become victims of snatch thefts and some tourist attractions have become hot spots of crimes. Snatch thefts are frequently reported in famous tourism destinations like Penang and Malacca in recent days. Local residents and tourism operators in the old town of Malacca are worried over the increasing crimes involving foreign tourists.

Meanwhile, cases involving not only property losses but also injuries have also increased. The country's law and order has again reached an alarming level, causing the tourism industry to suffer a blow.

Recently, a Chinese tourist wrote in a Sin Chew Daily column, complaining that when their group was listening to their tour guide in the old town of Malacca, a motorcyclist snatched a camera from one of them. They were extremely shocked as such a thing actually took place in broad daylight.

Even more frustrating, people who witnessed the incident did not tried to help and they were also surprised by the low efficiency of the police when they headed to a police station to lodge a report.

Foreigners might feel nothing when they read through international media's coverage on snatch thefts in Malaysia but when they personally experience it, it will affect the reputation of the country, while setting a blow to the "Malaysia Truly Asia" image. To make matters worse, frequent abductions at island resorts in Sabah have also reduced foreign tourists' confidence in the country's safety.

Meanwhile, the disappearance of Malaysia Airline Flight MH370 has also led to a 80% drop in Chinese tourists. Today, foreign tourists also face the risk of becoming the victims of snatch thefts. Our tourism industry is unable to sustain another heavy blow.

The Chinese tourist who wrote in a Sin Chew Daily column has indeed pointed out the key reason why Malaysia has failed to improve law and order even after so many anti-crime measures have been introduced, namely the lack of civic consciousness among the people. Although they have frequently become victims of crimes, they still turn a blind eye to the law and order problems around them. Although the police have a variety of strategies to combat crime, the execution capability is low. Great resources are spent but not fully utilised. We have repeatedly called for a nationwide mobilisation to fight crimes but the forces are weak and the support is limited. It is indeed necessary for us to reflect. – mysinchew.com,