Be Serious In Making Towns Safe, Says Ong
Bernama 17/1/2006

SEREMBAN, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- All the 145 local authorities in the country should play a serious role in making the towns safe by implementing the 'Safe Town' programme to eradicate crime.

The Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said the local governments should emphasise this in high risk areas.

"My ministry is now monitoring and receiving feedback on how far are the local governments implementing this programme," he told reporters after officiating the "Magnum Cares" programme sponsored by Magnum Corporation Bhd in conjunction with the Chinese New Year in Rumah Sri Kenangan here, Tuesday.

Ong said this referring to the rape cum murder of Chee Gaik Yap, 25, in Sungai Petani, Kedah, last Saturday. Chee who was jogging with her sister in Taman Ria Jaya at about 6 pm was believed to be abducted and her body found nine hours later near a country club not far away.

On Oct 11, 2004, the 52 meeting of the National Council for Local Government chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak ordered local authorities to implement the programme outlined by the ministry.

The programme has three components namely the physical surroundings, social/community activities and education/public awareness and strengthen the target areas through 23 steps.

Among the 23 steps to be enforced under the programme are separating the pedestrian walkway and routes for motorised vehicles, clearing up bushes, installing CCTV in strategic locations and light up dark areas.

-- BERNAMA