Dubious guards doing the rounds
10/01/2007 The Star

WHY is there the trend of guards patrolling housing estates today?

Previously it was only for gated communities. In Taman Tun Dr Ismail where I stay, this has become a “necessity.”

Some individuals in guard uniforms have gone from door to door offering to patrol the neighbourhood for a fee.

Not everyone, including me, agree to such an arrangement. We cannot ascertain their background, let alone let them “protect our homes.” This may become a permanent affair. Who knows what will happen if one were to discontinue the service.

Just yesterday, the aluminium door to my rubbish chute was stolen along with my neighbour’s, two doors away.

Was this a warning to enrol for this service or just a misdeed by irresponsible individuals? It looks as if I am being coerced to pay “protection money” for peace to my home.

I have been staying in this neighbourhood for the past 17 years and this is the first time the door to my rubbish chute was stolen.

It would seem futile to make a police report over such an inexpensive item. I thank God it was not something more serious.

The presence of our friendly neighbourhood policeman is a rare sight nowadays. Where have they gone?

Busy guarding VIPs or hiding behind some trees to catch traffic offenders?

Have there been many resignations in the police force? If so, is it because of low pay?

In that case, a revision should be in order. No doubt, many rank-and-file officers hold SPM or PMR qualifications and, therefore, are not entitled to high salaries but the risks they take in the line of duty should be taken into account.

I appeal to the authorities to properly streamline the practice of guard patrols sprouting all over housing estates, in particular, those with minimal or no police presence.

I still strongly believe in the protection of the police as the “official protector of the people.”

LIVING IN FEAR,
Kuala Lumpur.