VIGILANCE KEY TO ENHANCING COMMUNITY SAFETY - LEE LAM THYE

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Vigilance remains an important tool in maintaining and enhancing community safety, by ensuring that people stay alert to potential dangers or suspicious activities in their surroundings.

Chairman of the Alliance for a Safe Community Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said staying vigilant helps prevent crime, reduces risks, and can even save lives. It also fosters a sense of shared responsibility, encouraging neighbours to look out for one another, and to work together to create a safer environment.

“Safety is not the responsibility of the police or government alone, it's a shared responsibility, where we all take an active role in protecting our communities; we create a better future for everyone,” he said in a statement, today.

He also urged the public to participate in community programmes, such as joining the neighbourhood watch groups or volunteering for local safety initiatives, and to follow safety practices by adhering to road safety rules, securing your property and avoiding risky behaviour.

Lee also emphasised the importance of educating children and peers on safety measures, as even small responsible actions can have a lasting impact on building a safer community.

Lee also proposed that business owners ensure workplace safety by complying with current regulations and implementing enhanced security systems, to protect their premises from potential threats.

He added that safety must always be a top priority, as it not only protects lives and property, but also fosters economic growth, strengthens social cohesion, and supports mental well-being.

While policies and enforcement are critical, safety initiatives can only succeed when the government empowers communities to take an active role in creating safe environments, he said.

Policymakers, Lee said, must prioritise shared responsibility through various measures, including the establishment of a legislative framework which promotes community involvement, such as neighborhood watch programmes, disaster preparedness plans, and corporate accountability for workplace safety.

He added that in terms of resource allocation, funding should be provided for community-based safety programmes, educational campaigns and infrastructure improvements, such as better street lighting, upgraded HD CCTV systems, and pedestrian-friendly spaces.

“Partnerships should be strengthened by fostering collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organisations, businesses, and citizens, to amplify the impact of safety initiatives, as well as to develop measurable outcomes to ensure that policies address the community’s needs effectively,” Lee said.

“Together, we can create a community where everyone feels safe. Let us commit to working hand-in-hand, to build an environment where people are secure, valued, and protected,” he added.

-- BERNAMA