While chaos reigns the world over, Malaysians have their own demons to fight. Social problems are becoming matters of concern especially when these involve children and youth.

Take the recent cases of the rape and murder of 15-year-old Norsafiera Liyana Jaafar by two 17-year-old boys and the death of two-year-old Nur Iszyani Amylia Ahmad, due to abuse. Both speak volumes of the psychological health of Malaysians in general.

Merely solving these crimes is not going to improve the ailing social scenario. A study has to be determined to gauge what prompts such violence to take place in a relatively peaceful country like Malaysia.

Serious approach

A dedicated attitude has to be adopted in determining the root cause of social ills. Since a large number of the perpetrators of reported cases comprise young people, it has to be determined what prompts young minds to engage in heinous crimes.

It would be helpful if the government departments could forge a collaboration with the relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in studying ways and means to stop the 'corruption' of young minds.

For one thing, young people could be provided with good role-models and given opportunities to better themselves.

It is also important that no party adopts a finger-pointing approach in finding out what has gone wrong. The government should not look at social ills on a piecemeal basis and come up with ad-hoc solutions.

It has to be understood that crime eradication and prevention is not an effort that can be resolved within a month or even a year.

Rather, such an exercise will have to be carried out consistently as an ongoing effort to educate the public not just on crime prevention but also on aspects of human rights and the law.

Smart partnership

Much has been said about what smart partnerships can reap for those involved.

For the benefit and safety of Malaysians, let us see the 'reap' in terms of reduction in crime rates. This can be made possible through a smart working partnership between the government, NGOs and the corporate sector.

They should combine resources and work towards a common goal - that of making Malaysia a safe country and home for its people.

Residents associations too should buck up and take it upon themselves to maintain a safe neighbourhood. The Rukun Tetangga concept should be revived.

Either the government or corporate sector could provide support to Rukun Tetangga groups by way of office infrastructure or refreshments for groups patrolling their neighbourhood.

Crime is not just the business of the police. It should be everyone's concern. Neighbours must no longer use the excuse that crime is 'none of my business' when they learn of child abuse or domestic violence cases in their neighbourhood.

They ought to drop the self-imposed hypocritical attitude that there is nothing an individual can do to make a difference. If neighbours had bothered to inform the police or the Social Welfare Department, toddler Nur Isyzani may still be alive.

A hard lesson has been learnt through the loss of a life.

We pride so much on our Malaysia Boleh spirit. But let us thump our chests only and truly when we know that our actions and efforts have helped make our country safe for all.

For that, let us put into practice what we preach.

JJ RAY started her career with a mainstream publication. A non-conformist, she soon saw the barriers that went up whenever, through her writing, she tried to make the world a home for one and all.