Gerakan is working with the civil society, non-government organizations (NGOs) and other relevant bodies to prepare a memorandum containing measures to address the increasing cases of serious crimes happening in the country.

Gerakan’s head of central bureau on environment, safety and quality of life, Dr Cheah Soon Hai, said the memorandum would be submitted to the government soon.

“Currently, we are talking to the groups concerned to come up with a consensus on how to combat crime. These suggestions can be used as reference by the government,” said Dr Cheah in a statement.

Dr Cheah said the fight against criminals not only involved enforcement agencies such as the police but the co-operation of the public and the civil society as well.

“The image of law enforcement officers, their efficiency and discipline and getting co-operation from the public to deal with criminals all play a very important role,” he said.

He said the crime rate problem had inevitably raised the question of security and people living in fear.

An internet survey of 460 people by the Home Ministry which was posted in the ministry’s website recently revealed that 95per cent of them felt that Malaysia is not a safe country while 94 per cent said there is not enough security.

Dr Cheah, who is also Derga State Assemblyman, said it was important for the government to restore the people’s confidence on our enforcement agencies to combat crime.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is expected to announce on Monday details of the measures to fight crime under one of the six National key Result Areas to be implemented in September.