I would like to refer Loceng Cat's letter on the cybercafe issue.

Firstly, I do agree that cybercafes need to be checked frequently by the government to ensure that their usage remains on track. If left unattended, they may evolve into a bad influence for our youths.

Control and monitoring is a must - but to impose a ban is totally wrong. The innocent shouldn't be made to pay for the sins of a few.

Recently, the Sarawak government had ordered all councils to stop issuing new cybercafe licences without giving any reason whatsoever. To make matters worse, they even kept the issue a secret from the general public.

I wonder why the state government is so secretive about the issue if their intentions are truly for the benefit of the people. If there's a problem with cybercafes, the government should be transparent and discuss the problems faced by cybercafe operators before taking such action.

Besides, if gaming is the main reason behind the directive, why are video arcades not included as well? Aren't video arcades more 'entertaining' compared to information-technology-based cybercafes?

Not forgetting that video arcades swallow more money compared to the fixed hourly rates of cybercafes.

As a youth in my early 20s, I don't find cybercafes to be a source of degradation for our youths. To me, cybercafes are a source of entertainment similar to bowling alleys, cinemas, amusement arcades etc.

After a stressful day, youths need a place to chill out with friends and play a networked game. I've patronised cybercafes since my PMR days and I'm still a performing student pursuing for my degree. My gaming didn't affect my studies as I'm able to discipline myself by allocating enough time for study and play.

Therefore Loceng Cat's conclusion on cybercafes is totally wrong. If youths are failures because of their lack of discipline, I would say that the blame should be laid on their parents for poor upbringing.

It is sad that parents often find the easy way out to blame their own failures on other parties. How many parents leave their children at home spending hours in front of the TV? Entertainment is a choice and educated people should be bright enough to make their own decisions.

Keeping the new directive a secret was pretty disturbing and I would like to salute to the SMC deputy chairman who was transparent enough to acknowledge to the public the directive.

Since the issue is in the public spotlight, I hope that the state government will reconsider their directive.