HOME Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has stated that juvenile crimes involving non-school going children is on the increase, giving rise to serious concern about its impact on the crime situation in the country.
According to Bukit Aman statistics, violent crimes among these children increased by five per cent last year, while property crimes perpetrated by suspects aged between 7 and 18 were up by 12 per cent.
Zahid added that juvenile crimes involving school-goers had dropped, while the overall crime rate index had fallen by 12.6 per cent last year as compared to 2013.
There is an emerging trend today of juvenile involvement in crime and other social ills.
The Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation expresses its utmost concern on criminal activities, especially those involving children and youth.
Most minors get into crime because of negative peer influence and elements of gangsterism which are attempting to infiltrate our schools.
It is also due to inadequate guidance by those with a role to play in shaping their future.
It appears that noble values no longer seem to dictate the behaviour of many juveniles as their respect for the law and civic consciousness seem to be diminishing.
Teenagers as young as 12 are dabbling in crime, and getting involved in drugs, gambling and other social ills.
These are worrying trends and have to be looked into by the relevant authorities and other segments of society in totality to find enduring solutions.
Why are our youth behaving this way? Why are they disobeying and not respecting the law, even to the extent of putting their future in jeopardy?
These are questions which not only need answers but also solutions.
Looking at juvenile crime and other social ills besetting our children and teenagers, counselling programmes involving family institutions and the promotion of good noble values are in greater need today than ever before.
Noble values must continue to be preserved and nurtured to act as a shield against the various social ills plaguing the society.
When a nation progresses, the family institution could be the first victim, with children not getting enough attention and guidance, leading to the emergence of various social ills affecting our teenagers.
Children growing up in such an environment will end up becoming the victims of social ills.
If this is not t addressed, it will result in a serious divide between children and parents, and an increase in social problems and crime involving juveniles and teenagers.
Parents must constantly take steps to instill in their children basic moral values needed to build the foundation of a strong, stable and cohesive society.
What is also needed is a continuous programme of moral strengthening and reinforcement to make the children aware of their responsibilities to themselves, their parents, the community and the nation.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye , Vice-chairman, Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation