An increase in the crime rate in the country can turn away voters from supporting the government in a general election. In most countries, the crime index plays a significant role in influencing the voting behaviour of an electorate. When people live in fear of crimes, they would naturally seek an alternative system that can assure them of a better refuge.

The crime rate in the country has increased by 13 per cent this year, according to police statistics. It seems that snatch thefts, armed robberies and drug smuggling have shot up in figures, among others. This is indisputably a worrying trend and is threatening the peace and security of the country despite the economic strides we have made thus far.

How much can the people jointly contribute to combat crime when many issues on our doorstep are not attended to? When there is greed, misdemeanor and the lack of opportunities for some, crime rears its ugly head.

The number of drug addicts in the country has kept on increasing. Most snatch thieves caught are found to be drug addicts. Even many of the psychopaths who commit rape are found to be drug abusers. Many roam free due to their elusiveness and they continue on their snatching and raping sprees. The illegal immigrants are still roaming the streets and villages. Their number does not seem to decrease. Many have found it a paradise to be living in the country and continue committing unlawful things.

There have also been cases where those with PR (permanent resident) status gang up with their comrades who have entered the country illegally to rob Malaysians. Many houses belonging to VIPs were broken into just recently. The illegals are known to be very ruthless, unfeeling and notorious when it comes to criminal activities.

Unemployment among youth is another issue. The gap between the rich and the poor is also widening. The cost of living and the lack of economic opportunities in many big towns have affected the poor segment of our society. Many can ill-afford the cost of living and resort to crime to sustain their life.

Being deprived of a proper education, school dropouts who are addicted to alcohol and drugs find their solace in criminal activities. Above and beyond these are the greedy ones in our society for despite being wealthy enough, they engage in crimes of all sorts such as the misuse of power and corruption.

It is indeed apposite to enhance the close rapport between the public and the police when it comes to combating crime but it is also equally important for the government to look into the scourge affecting the country. The process of law has to be harsher on those involved in armed robberies, snatch thefts, murder, drug smuggling, rape and corruption.

Hard evidence is sometimes impossible to come by. The government should then not hesitate to invoke the ISA if there is circumstantial or situational evidence to show the wrongdoings. Keep the addicts of the streets and have the illegals in all parts of the country detained and deported. The authority should keep a watchful eye on those with PR status who flout the law.

The process of giving PR status to foreigners should be scrupulously reviewed and those on social visit passes and student visas who have overstayed and melted into the society should be hunted down. Those in power should practice what they preach and stay away from being corrupted out of love for the nation. Those deprived of proper guidance and education should be coaxed into vocational training the moment they drop out from school to uplift their sense of worth in society.

With some insight on the part of the government and effective execution of the law, the burden on our police force would indubitably lessen. The crime rate has to be reduced to allow a high quality life for the citizens of this country and to bring in more economic opportunities. History has also proven the fact that an increase in a country's crime rate has a significant correlation with the voting pattern of its people in an election. The electorate tends to turn away from voting in again the incumbent government.