Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1.0 INTRODUCTION
In conjunction with World Habitat Day (WHD) 2007 observation, EAROPH Malaysia
have organised a Roundtable on this year’s WHD theme.
The theme for this year’s World Habitat Day on Monday 1st October 2007 is “A Safe
City is a Just City”. The United Nations chose this year’s theme in order to raise
awareness and encourage reflection on the threats to urban safety and social justice,
particularly urban crime and violence, forced eviction and insecurity of tenure, as well as
natural and human made disasters.
One of the most significant causes of fear and insecurity in many cities today is crime and
violence. There has been a rise in crime over the recent years as a result of urbanisation,
population growth, employment, the influx of foreign illegal workers and drug abuse
among others.
Another significant threat to urban safety is forced eviction and insecurity of tenure.
Incidents of forced eviction are regularly reported from all parts of the world.
Disaster, natural and human-made, are yet other current threat to urban safety. Recent
evidence suggests that natural and human-made disasters are increasing in frequency the
world over, and that this trend is partly linked to climate change.
Combined these three threats to urban safety currently pose a huge challenge to both
national and city governments and this is the reason behind the United Nations choice of
the theme “A Safe City is A Just City” for this years World Habitat Day.
However, in the Malaysian context the latter two issues are well contained and isolated
compared to the overwhelming concerns of Malaysian on the increasing crime rate. The
incidents of crime and fear of crime have adverse impact on the Malaysian psychic and
have caused the nation to loose out on its freedom and competitiveness. There is now an
urgent need to regain a healthy initiative in our fight against crime.
The roundtable is organised to raise awareness, present, discuss and exchange ideas on
the issues and challenges related to safe city.
It is also hoped that the roundtable would provide input and ideas for the coming
National Conference on World Habitat Day in November and for safe city initiatives and
projects.
The roundtable was held on Friday 13th July 2007 at Eastin Hotel, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
from 9.00am to 1.00pm.
The roundtable was chaired by Y.B Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Ting, Minister of Housing and
Local Government, Malaysia and President of EAROPH.
The roundtable was attended by 55 participant from diverse background. The participant
range from non-governmental organisation (NGOs), residents associations (RAS), local
authorities, professional institutes, professionals architects, planners, engineers,
developers, academicians, politicians, government officials, local authorities, police and
media personnel.
Director General,
Federal Department of Town and Country Planning, Peninsular Malaysia.
4. Safe City
Mr. Lawrence Chan Kek Tong
Chairman, Standing Committee on Safe City Initiative (MCPF)
Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF)
Open roundtable discussions followed after the presentations. Issues, challenges and way
forward were discussed.
The President welcome and thanked all present for attending the EAROPH roundtable.
The President briefed the meeting on EAROPH. He stressed that the organisation covers
wide range of topics on anything to do with issues on Planning and Human Settlements.
He briefed that the roundtable is held in line with the World Habitat Day 2007 theme “A
Safe City Is A Just City”. From this roundtable, EAROPH expects to get suggestions,
views and welcome partnership and invite those present to work together for Safe City
Initiative.
The Minister then briefed on the installation of CCTV in public areas. He briefed on
implementation problems, including lack of funds and the MHLG are working closely
with Police on CCTV installation and monitoring.
Then he stressed on public outcry of late on crime, especially in Johor Bahru and Klang
Valley area. Safety issues are not only in Johor Bahru but whole country. Wherever there
are lot of economics and social activities, target for crime increases.
Cabinet meeting dealt with crime problems and decided to give police more resources,
manpower, patrol cars, equipment and other facilities. The cabinet also agreed to build
police stations where needed.
He mentioned that IGP himself briefed the cabinet and cabinet has approved budget.
However, the implementation will take some time. He stressed on how to make police to
be more equipped.
He also mentioned about salary increase for policemen which he personally brought up to
Cabinet. He mentioned that constable’s salary minus allowances falls below poverty like
index of RM750 salary a month. Cabinet approved pay hike of up to 42% for policemen.
He stressed that this means a lot to them and have boost their performance. A lot more
needed to be done in terms of facilities and training.
He also mentioned about former New York Mayor where his strategy was to have the
presence of police felt everywhere. Policeman with patrol cars stationed everywhere,
with one man per car. This have deterred crime effectively.
Malaysia Government have allocated 2000 patrol cars. However, there are
implementation problems, like lack of drivers, need training and this take time.
Ketua Pengarah
Jabatan Perancang Bandar dan Desa (JPBD)
Semenanjung Malaysia
5B
Dato’ Mohd Fadzil briefed the meeting that Safe City Programme was approved by
Government in 2004. Subsequent to that, 8 additions were done to the programme in
2006 and CCTV addition was added to the program in 2007.
He briefed that the safe city initiative covers four (4) areas, as follows:-
1. Cities free from destruction to properties and lives, like crime, theft and robbery.
2. Cities free from destruction and vandalism.
3. Cities free from social and moral problems.
4. Cities free from accidents inside and outside of building.
The safe city programme covers the first area as above, cities free from destruction to
properties and lives. Under the safe city programme, 23 crime preventive measures have
been introduced for Local Authorities to implement.
These 23 crime preventive measures have been grouped into 3 strategies as follows:-
The first strategy covers crime prevention measures through planning and design of
physical environment like environmental design, GIS – based crime mapping and review
of housing layout guidelines.
The second strategy covers target hardening like building police post, installation of
CCTV, cleaning crime prone areas and taking other physical crime preventive measures.
MB Shah Alam have implemented 100% of the measures. Another 5 local authorities
namely MB Johor Bahru, MB Petaling Jaya, MB Melaka Bersejarah, MP Kajang and MP
Batu Pahat have implemented 90% of the measures.
Of the measures, Measure 1 – separation of pedestrian walk from motor vehicle lane,
Measure 4 – Crime prevention through environmental design and Measures 11 – cleaning
/ tidying concealed and unkempt areas have been fully implemented (100%) by all local
authorities. The rest of the measures are in progress.
The measures which are slowest in implementation is, Measure 10 – Safety Alarm and
Measure 5 – Crime Mapping (GIS) and sharing of information, where only 26% and 18%
implemented respectively.
Current weakness in implementation of this programme are measures taken do not cover
wider areas, less commitment from PBT, less interaction with public, lighting measures
still do not cover crime prone areas, safety alarm installation in public areas are not
satisfactory and CCTV installation at PBT level are not satisfactory.
i) Formation of safe city programme monitoring committee at state and PBT level.
ii) Uniform CCTV system installation at state level through PDRM and KPKT
iii) Patrolling by PDRM and local residents at crime prone areas. PBT to ensure
success
iv) Widen the 23 safety measures to crime prone areas
v) Implement 5 immediate measures
vi) Crime prone area mapping with PDRM and local residents and implement crime
prevention measures.
vii) Implement lighting at crime prone areas
viii) To install safety alarm at basement, multi level car park and other crime prone
public spaces.
PBT are classified accordingly to crime rate. The most crime prone areas are PBTs in
Johor, Klang Valley, Penang and Ipoh. Namely major urban and economic activity areas.
Installation of CCTV at public spaces and crime prone areas have contributed to
reduction in snatch theft. The problems in CCTV installation is that most of the CCTV
are not monitored by PDRM, CCTV specifications do not comply to international public
safety frequency, high cost of maintenance where some CCTV are no more functioning
and CCTV could only be installed to limited locations only.
JPBD together with PDRM and KPKT have come out with Guide Book (2007) on CCTV
installation and monitoring. CCTV location to be identified by GIS mapping of crime
prone areas. CCTV to be monitored by PDRM. PBT and PDRM should work together in
installation of CCTV according to guidelines.
Managing Director
Sunway City Berhad
Bandar Sunway started safe city programme 15 years ago. It was also one of the
township selected for pilot project under Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation
(MCPF) programme.
Bandar Sunway covering 800 acres have transformed from a tin mining land in 1986 to a
thriving township with 60,000 inhabitants today. It is an Integrated Resort City and is a
major tourist destination in Malaysia. It receives 20 million visitors a year. It has strong
basic infrastructure and the city is well planned to deter crime.
It is easier to identify and carry out safe city concept in Bandar Sunway because:
3. Strong security guard force headed by ex high ranking police personnel (SAC II
John Chong)
a) 700 strong security guards
- 400 stationed at shopping complexes and resort area.
- 300 stationed on other part of the township.
5. K9 units
- 12 Rodweller, trained dogs to take care of construction sites and problematic
business areas.
1. The city was previously under PJ police, which were very established, and
protective district, but now under new Subang Jaya police. Have not met for the
past two years. Have joint committee with police.
3. Organise road show to educate residents and businesses on safe city concept.
BBRA established in 1973 covering a total member of 1167 houses with membership of
780 (2006). The objective of the association is “Promote Goodwill & Neighbourliness”.
Their slogan is “Know Your Neighbour”.
2. Partnership with Police, DBKL, TNB, Alam Flora, MP, Ministry of Woman, Family
and Community Development and other Residents Associations (RA).
7. Working with DBKL, Alam Flora and TNB in clearing up and lighting up crime
prone areas.
B. Shortcomings
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1. Attitude of residents – some not pro active in supporting crime prevention initiatives.
4. DBKL and Local Council to be more helpful in playing prominent role. Should be
more receptive to complaints. Very bureaucratic and cumbersome.
C. Suggestions
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2. Residents be trained by police to patrol in their own car, use beacon lights, and
inform the police by mobile phone. Neighbourhood watch outdated.
Suggested for World Habitat Day 2007 Conference “Safe City is a Just City” to include
“Crime Prevention is Everyone’s Responsibility” as a topic.
Safe city concept and initiatives have been successfully implemented in many European
countries, Canada, United States and Australia.
Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) was set up in 1997 to carry out safe city
initiatives with collaboration from police, relevant local authorities and respective
resident associations (RA).
Three (3) safe city projects were initiated by MCPF as pilot project as follows:
1. Bangsar – upper middle class residential area.
2. San Peng Road Flats – dilapidated area, high rate of drug addicts and crime problems
3. Bandar Sunway – prime tourist destination and resort city
Studies on how to approach safe city initiatives on different part of community and
locality were carried out.
The objective of safe city initiative is to help crime prevention especially in crime prone
area.
Definition of safe city is “a city free from crime and free from fear of crime”.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Planning (CPTEP) is an important tool; and the
objective is to create peaceful and harmonious neighbourhood. It helps to reduce crime,
reduce fear of crime and maintain social order.
CPTEP approach enhance the aesthetic, create safe environment, affordable, easily
understood and common sense approach. CPTEP approach further enhanced with the
installation of CCTV at crime prone areas.
In short, safe city initiative is a smart partnership between government and people, crime
prevention through environmental design and planning and social and economical changes
on improved civic minded education and civic minded.
In reality crime statistics shows that crime rate is on the rise especially in urban areas.
Public perception on crime is important.
10BUStrategic goals
Ms. Joyce
Persatuan Pengurusan Kompleks Perniagaan (PPKP)
2. For bigger shopping complexes, they have resources. For smaller shopping
complexes and malls, PPKP request police training for their security manpower. To
work with police.
Chairman’s comments:
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To have regular meeting between police, local authorities and residents association.
Chairman’s comments :
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Under planning policy all new township must reserve 10% for recreational area. 466ha
public park to be built in Bukit Kiara area, Lake Garden will be upgraded and another new
public park near Istana at Jalan Duta will be built.
Successful campaign launched on 30th June 2006. Working with young people and woman.
5 years working at government school. Launched this campaign. Safety issue very
important: unility for safe space. More than half encountered violence. Living in culture of
fear. To empower awareness on safety. Project carried out, students came out with ideas.
Tagline - come together; unite for safe spaces.
To curb on eatery outlets opening hours beyond 2.00am, especially 24 hrs restaurant, which
provide conducive environment for young people to hang out. Reduce opportunity for
vices and crimes.
Use technology to manage and provide information. Create website. Learn from
experience of other RA and developer. Create templates which can easily be applied by all
resident association. Use Rukun Tetangga for those don’t have RA.
Basic problem, crime prevention measures and laws are all there. Problem is in its
implementation. To teach ethics, basic values in education.
Ms. Fiona
Federation of Malaysia Consumer Association (FOMCA)
Issues:
1. Human security.
2. Climate change and mitigation.
3. Unplanned development.
4. Pollution and hazard.
5. Discuss control.
6. Transparency.
To address and educate safety issue in school, not much campaigning done on safe schools.
Vandalism and maintenance of public property. Control of negative influence from
internet.
Puan Maimunah
Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang (MPPP)
Opinion regarding policy on open space should be open space. Open space for community
space, RT, Dewan, etc. Awareness on safe city programme should be done to the public.
Chairman’s comments:
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MHLG do not approve for greens to be used for Community Hall etc, This could be
abused.
Safe city Initiatives, should be a continuing process and long term initiative.
Pn. Khairiah
Secretary General, EAROPH International
What not touched was causes in line with the theme “A Safe City is a Just City”. What
cause crime, is that poverty, hardship, social marginalisation?
What attracts crime?. Is crime on property is more that violent crime?, Who commits crime
in Malaysia, What time of the day?. Need research and studies on these.
To address violence through computer games, media, internet. Multi action needed from
media industry, NGO, Government and public.
Successful safe cities like Singapore, Vancouver, Melbourne, Seattle also attract
investment. Safe city must be a reality. Safe city do not marginalize society.
Chairman’s comments:
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To go down to the roots of the problem. To do R&D, and get information from some R&D
done by social scientists and academicians.
EAROPH and MHLG to put together all R&D by various groups and do further R & D.
2. To install CCTV in crime prone areas and monitor by PDRM and local authorities.
CCTV to be uniformed and regularly maintained.
3. To provide police more resources, patrol cars, manpower, equipments and to build
more police stations and police booths wherever necessary.
4. To make the presence of police felt everywhere. Presence of police will indicate
safety.
11. Local authorities and government to provide fund on regular basis to carry out safe
city initiatives.
14. All eateries, restaurants and bars should closed by 2.00am. Authorities should not
allow 24 hours eateries.
19. Safe city initiative should be a long term and continuous process.
20. To study from R & D done and carry out R & D on urban crime and violence, -
source, demography, types of crime and others.
21. To address crime and violence / influence through media and internet.