Concern over rising crime in the sultanate
Saturday, July 7, 2007
THE general public has expressed concern over rising crime in the sultanate and the more worrying factor is that most of the petty crimes are being committed by the youngsters. Most of the people The Brunei Times talked to were of the view that parents have an important role to play in guiding their children towards constructive activities.
Many feel that some of the youngsters out of unemployment, boredom or just for the thrill of it indulge in such activities.
Mohd Muamar Abdul Baset Hj Bujang, 20, is thankful that he has not personally encountered anything of the sort and has only heard and read about crimes in the news. He says that the youth are the usual suspects when it comes to shoplifting and stealing.
"They hang around with the wrong crowd and fall victim to peer pressure," he said.
"Some may actually do it because they don't have money, but there are some who even do it for the thrill of it or to de-stress."
But Mohd Muamar Abdul Baset added that he has also heard about rape. "It's understandable that men have such tendencies but it's no excuse". He suggested that women, in particular, should be more conscious about self-defence. "People in other countries have access to pepper sprays and guns, but these things are not legal here". He feels that authorities should firmly deal with the crime because it is everybody's problem.
Suryati Chuchu, 33, is another person who feels that the youth is getting more involved in criminal activities, despite the low crime rate in the country. She believes that mostly unemployed youth go astray.
She said "Maybe many of them feel that it's easier to steal money than to work hard and honestly for it".
Suryati says the Anti-Narcotics Bureau (BKN) officials usually visit schools where they counsel students against such menace.
"Counselling is especially difficult for those who are rebellious and won't take advice". In addition to stealing and drug abuse, Suryati expressed concern over the lack of moral values in the youth who indulge in inappropriate behaviour in public toilets and other areas. She feels the main reason for behaviour is the lack of attention from parents as well as poor communication.
Siti Roselydiawati Hj Mohd Yussof, 24, says she has noticed rise in the vandalism. "The younger generation tend to be influenced by their peers and do silly things," she said. Often graffiti is seen as a way of expressing one's thoughts and emotions, but Siti Roselydiawati believes that is not at all productive. "It is especially worrying when people don't care about it," she added. "When you go around thinking it's perfectly fine because it's not your property, it is like giving such people green light to do more".
Jamil Urn from Berakas has been made aware through the media of a significant increase in metal thefts.
The 25-year-old teacher is of the view that despite typical belief that the culprits are foreign workers, locals should not be left out. "There is still a possibility because we don't know for sure," he said.
The Brunei Times
Many feel that some of the youngsters out of unemployment, boredom or just for the thrill of it indulge in such activities.
Mohd Muamar Abdul Baset Hj Bujang, 20, is thankful that he has not personally encountered anything of the sort and has only heard and read about crimes in the news. He says that the youth are the usual suspects when it comes to shoplifting and stealing.
"They hang around with the wrong crowd and fall victim to peer pressure," he said.
"Some may actually do it because they don't have money, but there are some who even do it for the thrill of it or to de-stress."
But Mohd Muamar Abdul Baset added that he has also heard about rape. "It's understandable that men have such tendencies but it's no excuse". He suggested that women, in particular, should be more conscious about self-defence. "People in other countries have access to pepper sprays and guns, but these things are not legal here". He feels that authorities should firmly deal with the crime because it is everybody's problem.
Suryati Chuchu, 33, is another person who feels that the youth is getting more involved in criminal activities, despite the low crime rate in the country. She believes that mostly unemployed youth go astray.
She said "Maybe many of them feel that it's easier to steal money than to work hard and honestly for it".
Suryati says the Anti-Narcotics Bureau (BKN) officials usually visit schools where they counsel students against such menace.
"Counselling is especially difficult for those who are rebellious and won't take advice". In addition to stealing and drug abuse, Suryati expressed concern over the lack of moral values in the youth who indulge in inappropriate behaviour in public toilets and other areas. She feels the main reason for behaviour is the lack of attention from parents as well as poor communication.
Siti Roselydiawati Hj Mohd Yussof, 24, says she has noticed rise in the vandalism. "The younger generation tend to be influenced by their peers and do silly things," she said. Often graffiti is seen as a way of expressing one's thoughts and emotions, but Siti Roselydiawati believes that is not at all productive. "It is especially worrying when people don't care about it," she added. "When you go around thinking it's perfectly fine because it's not your property, it is like giving such people green light to do more".
Jamil Urn from Berakas has been made aware through the media of a significant increase in metal thefts.
The 25-year-old teacher is of the view that despite typical belief that the culprits are foreign workers, locals should not be left out. "There is still a possibility because we don't know for sure," he said.
The Brunei Times
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