Give Back Not Up

Muar has done it again!

A Child Safety Alert Campaign was held at Chung Hwa 2A on Saturday, 10th May 2008.

It attracted more than 1000 school children,parents and the public for an educational and memorable weekend. The event was officiated by Deputy Education minister, YB Dr.Wee Ka Siong.

The responsible newspaper, Sin Chew Daily should be congratulated for organising the anti-crime campaign specially targeted at school children within the Muar district.

Its Muar bureau Chief Mr.L.B Teo on an exclusive telephone interview by TSM says:"We believe that educating the young ones is definitely very effective. We also hope to carry on this campaign to benefit more people all year round." To Mr.L.B Teo,we say WELL DONE! WELL DONE! Muar is so proud of you!

It was a smart move indeed because in crime prevention, we must engage not only the adults BUT also our younger generations and senior citizens at home to play an active role.

I am an English papers reader for years until I recently discovered about the beauty of our Chinese newspapers. Their regional section, which reports local news is so powerful that almost every single message could be reached out to the local communities instantly.

Be it a 10-metre python in your house or a car fallen into the monsoon drain in town, they would be reported as news with colorful photos attached the next day. For the same reason, they are effective in creating public awareness in crime prevention measures and Community Policing.

Their reporters too, are simply amazing. To them, speed does matter for exclusive news. They are sometimes faster than the local pizza delivery boy!

Meanwhile, the co-sponsor for the event,Super Food Marketing Sdn. Bhd is very generous indeed. It had carried out its Corporate Social Responsibilty(CSR) by supporting all 26 roadshows nationwide. Its Director, Mr.Steven Lim delivered a remarkable speech in Muar. Applying the theory of instant beveages in his speech,He says:"We need a 4-in-1 approach to make this campaign a success. Parents, schools, our society and NGOs must come together to build a safer living environment for our children and their future."

Muar Police also supported the event by hosting a mini photo exhibition, led by Chief Inspector Hj.Abdul Wahab and his dedicated team.(The same team representing IPD Muar won the Best Customer Service award at Kota Tinggi on 27th April 2008) Young children and parents were seen spending time looking at the photos of innocent victims and the missing ones. Hj.Abdul Wahab played the role of a PR manager for the police, given out safety tips to the children about the do's and don's.

The theme of the day, "Child Safety Alert Campaign" was presented by the "Friendly Police Ambassador" DSP Khoo Leng Huat,who has a deep passion for the well being of the local communities, especially in Community Policing.

Almost half of his audiences, comprising school children were all entertained by his interesting stories and witty jokes, nearly earning him a new title of "Police Idol" among his young fans. Being fluent in almost three languages and Chinese dialects plus a great sense of humor, DSP Khoo had perfected the art of effective communiciation not only with children but got connected with the parents easily.

I would think THIS is a clever strategy adopted by the police to enter schools and educate the young children,instilling them with right moral values and to explain the roles and functions of the men in blue within our society.

In my humble opinion, our traffic police should team up with JPJ to adopt a similar approach, enter schools to educate secondary school students about road safety and responsibility of being a clever road user. Do it when they are young, do it when they are receptive to your ideas but not until when they became Mat Rempit,Bohsia or Bohjan!

Again,Education, Education and Education!

The moral of the story: never merely condemn the police force when there is a crisis, but offer constructive criticisms. BUT:

1)Try and think of what you can do to correct the situation.
2)Play your role effectively.
3)Work with others who share the same commitment.
4)Achieve the goal together.

In the case of wanting for a better security and personal safety around you, give back but not giving up!

Again,Crime PreVenTion Is a ShaRed ResponSibiLity.

A HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL MUMS AT TAMAN SRI MAHARANI MUAR, AND TO ALL MOTHERS AROUND THE WORLD!*****