Don't abuse public areas in the name of security
19/10/2005 The Star

I refer to RIGHT OF WAY's letter (StarMetro, Sept 26) on the increasingly bold manner in which private citizens are taking over our public spaces in the name of security.

RIGHT OF WAY refers to the problem in Kota Kemuning, but this seems to be a nationwide trend and local authorities seem to have no clue what to do.

I totally support the average citizen's right to a safe environment in and around his neighbourhood.

The Police can never be around all the time and it is almost impossible for them to patrol every housing estate.

In these circumstances, some steps have to be taken by the citizens if they want greater security and peace of mind.

There are schemes like Rukun Tetangga and Rela which address this problem but somehow it does not seem to be fully effective where it is most needed - urban
housing areas.

The need for citizens to arrange their own security is thus quite well established. The question then is, “How should they go about it?”

As RIGHT OF WAY points out, those in gated communities may restrict entry into their estates as it is private property. The problem is with public areas maintained by the local authorities.

The constant coming and going of strangers parking their vehicles in your residential area, because it is conveniently near a business area, provides cover for those with criminal intent.

The Jalan Batai enclave in Bukit Damansara has engaged security firms to patrol the area and it seems to be working pretty well.

It has been in place for quite sometime and more importantly it is legal, non-obtrusive and does not impinge on the rights of others.

The practice of blocking off public roads and areas is an abuse of the security scare.

What these residents want is exclusivity at the expense of the rest of the community.

It is high time the Police and the local authorities took action on this.

Freebird
Bukit Damansara