GIVEN the fact that crime has become a major issue in the country, the Malaysian
Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) is calling on all those involved in the building
industry such as developers, builders, planners and architects to implement the
concept of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) and help reduce
crime in our communities.

The basic concept behind the CPTED is that proper design and effective use of the
physical environment can lead to a reduction in crime.

CPTED concepts and strategies have been used successfully in a variety of settings
all over the world to combat crime.

Crime can be reduced if there are fewer opportunities for it to occur. And, one way
to deny criminals such an opportunity is to adopt the CPTED concept. Through CPTED,
urban planners and property developers can contribute towards the reduction of
criminal activities.

Crime prevention through police law enforcement alone is not sufficient. We need
professionals to implement proper design and effective use of the physical
environment to reduce the opportunities for crime to take place. These could be
implemented in buildings, houses, parks, pedestrian bridges, roads and back lanes.

The MCPF which is a body actively involved in programmes to promote public-police
co-operation in crime prevention, calls for greater collaboration between the
Government and all the stakeholders such as traders, residents, professionals and
the public to combat crime.

Policy makers, law enforcers and the various strata of society must stand up to the
challenge to make our cities, town and rural areas safe and liveable. Continuos
efforts must be made to reduce crime, lessen the fear of crime and create safer
cities and towns where economic enterprises and community life can flourish. The
agenda to control and prevent crime demands a synergistic, concerted and tireless
endeavour from everyone.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE,
MCPF vice-chairman.