Lam Thye: Motorbike free zone good idea

The Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation vice-chairman says disallowing motorcycles in certain zones as proposed by the IGP is needed to tackle street crimes.

PETALING JAYA: Drastic measures are needed to tackle street crimes, and the IGP’s proposal for motorcycle-free zones is a good one, said Lee Lam Thye.

The Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) vice-chairman said: “It has to be done to deal with street crimes because almost everyday, there are snatch theft cases.

“MCPF will certainly back-up any move which we feel can reduce street crime, but he matter should be discussed in the open with the various stakeholders,” said the former DAP leader.

“There’s a need to get comments from local authorities involved in the fight against crime and the Road Transport Department (RTD).

“And law-abiding citizens who use motorcycles to go to work may question this move, so we definitely need to hear everybody out,” said Lee.

He, however, stressed that if the proposal were to be implemented, specific areas need to be targeted first.

“Areas where snatch thefts are likely to occur need to be identified. This proposal can be implemented in areas where there are many tourists, for example, in Bukit Bintang,” he said.

Failure of the law enforcement agencies
Lee added that local authorities can also identify roads where snatch theft cases are rampant and put up barricades between the pedestrian walkway and the road.

“Although it would be hard to get this done and would not exactly be pedestrian-friendly, this is one of the ways to reduce snatch theft cases,” he said.

Suaram chairman, K Arumugam, on the other hand said that banning motorcycles as a step to curb crime is regressive and exposes the failure of the law enforcement agencies.

“Banning motorcycles will only shift the modus operandi of criminals.

“Poverty, unemployment, debt and low wages are the root causes. Neglecting these and going after motorcycles is a half-baked solution,” he said.

Meanwhile, Suaram member Fadiah Nadwa Fikri said that the police should instead be focusing on other meaningful ways to curb crime.

On the proposal, she said: “I think that it does not make any sense and I feel that it is preposterous, the implication is obviously going to be big.

“What would happen to those who do not earn much and whose only mode of transportation is the motorcycle?

“The police should, instead, focus on implementing the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission, where every man will be made accountable,” she said.

She added that the police should also stop going after people who speak their mind, referring to Pakatan rally speakers and be professional in executing their duties.