Malaysia, at one time, was known as the last paradise on Earth. People lived in peace, harmony and freedom. Now it appears this scenario has changed for the worse. It is indeed a shame.

What is even more shameful is that foreigners like Indonesians, Bangladeshis - and now even some from developed countries - seem to be roaming the streets of the country committing crimes as if they mean nothing to nobody.

The so-called globalisation and borderless world seem to have caught on as far as criminals are concerned.

Why has Malaysia become the harbinger of crime?

Our prisons, I am told, is a cushy place for criminals from any backward crime prone, poverty and unemployment prone country. The Sungei Buloh prison, I am told, has been awarded ISO 9000 status.

It is a luxury to be housed in our prisons. Food is plentiful and of good quality. Good clothing and shelter is provided. I am told that prisoners make good friends in our jails. They lack nothing.

When such is the case, many of these crime-prone characters commit as many crimes as possible with little fear of the law, with little regard for human life but much to gain in terms of money and valuables in the shortest possible time.

Bear in mind that word has also gone around that Malaysia is probably one of the safest countries to commit a crime as everyone knows that we severely lack police manpower. The chances of getting caught are very small.

Many are also under the impression then it is easy to escape with a little bribery. This may be true among some policemen but not necessarily true for our entire police force. The fact remains that many criminals are under the impression that bribery is common to the Malaysian police.

Foreign criminals are not concerned about staying away from their homes if it is to earn money for their loved ones and families. Many are prepared to stay away for one year, two years or even five years as long as they can send money home.

When such is the case, then what difference does it make whether he stays in a rented room shared by six or even eight others or in a jail - as long as he has earned enough money to have sent back home? This is their logic.

As for the snatch theft, it is a form of work that requires skill and precision. It only takes a minute of 'work' to earn perhaps a few hundred ringgit or a few thousand depending on who the victim is. The risks are little or none.