The recent reported disclosure by our police chief on the crime scene in the country is baffling and worrisome. It is reported that in 2006, there were 230,000 crimes committed in the country. This does not include the numerous unreported cases of petty thefts and yet to be discovered crimes.

If we take inventory of the number of metal thefts involving grills, gates and drain covers to cooking gas cylinder thefts from homes and the scores of individuals robbed of watches and handphones, the crime number would be not only be startling but also mind-boggling.

The recorded crimes work out to 630 cases a day or 26 instances every hour. For a nation of our size in terms of land mass and population, surely the impact is just too much to ignore any longer. And comparing our crime rate with other nations is tantamount to comparing apples with oranges.

According to the police chief, of the reported crime cases, only 5,000 foreign nationals were involved. This translates to a mere 2.2%. And if we take stock of the total 'official' figures of legal and illegals in the country, which is stated to stagger at 2.5 million, it would mean that only 0.2% of the foreign population is involved in crime.

This is even more startling. Are we saying that the larger part of crime in the country is caused by our own citizens? And if true, then two questions beg an answer from the authorities.

First, how is it we have reached a stage where we are unable to curb Malaysians from taking to criminal ways? Are our laws inadequate? Or are we en route to producing world-class criminals? Or has our crime prevention system deteriorated to such an extent that we do not have the means and prowess to kill crime anymore?

Second, if the larger part of crime is not done by foreigners, then why so much of crackdowns on them to an extent where, as reported, there is even the intention to quarantine foreign workers on their off-days? And, if neighbourhood stories are anything to go by, how come every housewife trades stories of how their home was burgled by foreigners in the wee hours of the morning?

We are at serious crossroads with regards to our crime scene. If we continue dithering as we have done these past two decades, the chances are we would earn a reputation as one of the few and unsafe countries to reside, work or enjoy a safe business in. And if that happens, it is going to cost the rakyat dearly to repair our reputation and do damage control.

It is time that checking crime became a top priority for the nation immediately. The mega- ringgits the government is committing to various projects and development must give way to a total and holistic revamp of policies and forces involved in fighting crime decisively.

Otherwise, the problem will always remain dressed down to mere statistics, promises and knee-jerk responses comprising of 'looking into the problem'. As it is, the way we are barricading our homes reaffirms that we are losing to crime every day while our neighbouring countries keep progressing.