Lee Lam Thye Calls For Collective Effort To Enhance Women's Safety

KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 (Bernama) -- Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has called for greater collective efforts to enhance women's safety and boost crime prevention awareness among women.

He said creating a safer environment for women requires the support and commitment of all sectors of society, including men, families, employers, schools, community organisations and the authorities.

Lee said safe public spaces, effective policing, improved street lighting, wider closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage and swift action against offenders were among the measures that could help enhance women's sense of safety.

“Women today face many forms of crime. Among the more common offences are street crimes such as snatch theft and robbery, sexual harassment in public places, workplaces, and on public transport, as well as stalking, including cyberstalking through social media.

"In addition, women are vulnerable to domestic violence and intimate partner abuse, online scams, love scams and financial fraud specifically targeting women, identity theft, online sexual exploitation, blackmail involving personal photographs or videos, as well as drink spiking and sexual assault," he said in a statement today.

Lee said women play many important roles in society as mothers, daughters, wives, professionals, entrepreneurs, students and community leaders, and deserve to live, work, travel and enjoy public spaces without fear.

“While law enforcement agencies have an important responsibility to keep our communities safe, crime prevention is also a shared responsibility. Awareness is one of our strongest forms of protection," he said, adding that many of these crimes can be prevented or their risks reduced through greater awareness, vigilance, and preparedness.

He noted that crime prevention awareness means knowing how to recognise suspicious situations, protecting personal information online, practising safe travel habits, reporting harassment early and looking out for one another.

"It is not about living in fear, but about being informed, alert, and confident," he said

Lee also called on the public to continue educating, empowering and encouraging women to speak out against crime and violence while working together to build communities where respect, safety and mutual care are shared values.

“Together, we can make our homes, workplaces, streets, and digital spaces safer for everyone,” he added.

-- BERNAMA