NGO urges authorities to improve lighting in common spaces and security presence in higher-risk areas
PETALING JAYA: A women’s advocacy group has called for stronger public safety measures and greater community responsibility following widespread concern over a report describing a car theft method targeting unsuspecting drivers.
Women of Will chief operating officer Zulikhwan Ayub said even unverified reports of this nature tend to strike a chord because they mirror safety anxieties that many women navigate on a daily basis.
“From our work, especially with women from lower-income communities, we see that safety is often a daily consideration, rather than an occasional one.
“So, while we should rely on verified information, these situations do highlight the importance of continuing efforts by authorities and communities to strengthen awareness and reassurance around public safety,” he noted.
He said such incidents often reinforce an already cautious approach among women, especially when it comes to routine activities such as parking and returning to vehicles.
“Many women are making practical decisions around safety, such as choosing well-lit areas, being mindful of surroundings and planning movements more carefully.
“What incidents such as this do is heighten that awareness further. In some ways, that can be helpful, but it also reminds us that creating safer environments is just as important as encouraging individual vigilance.”
He stressed that while awareness is important, personal safety must always take priority in any suspicious situation.
“If something feels out of place, the priority is to move to a safer and more visible environment.” Zulikhwan also cautioned against allowing awareness messages to create fear, saying the goal should be to build confidence rather than anxiety.
“The goal is not to create fear but to build confidence through practical habits and awareness,” he stressed.
He added that improving safety cannot fall solely on individuals, stressing the need for better public infrastructure and stronger enforcement.
He also said awareness efforts must not place the burden of safety solely on women.
“Awareness should be shared, not targeted. While it is important to equip women with practical knowledge, safety is ultimately a collective responsibility.
“This includes public education for all, visible enforcement and community involvement,” he said.
“We see our role, alongside government and other stakeholders, as helping to support these efforts, ensuring awareness initiatives are inclusive and do not unintentionally place the responsibility on one group alone.”
Zulikhwan said concerns over personal safety, even in routine situations, could affect women’s mobility and participation in daily activities over time.
“This is why ongoing efforts to improve safety are so important. Not just for protection, but to enable fuller participation in daily and economic activities.”
He urged authorities and communities to continue improving lighting, visibility in public spaces, security presence in higher-risk areas and reporting mechanisms.
“A lot of positive work is already being done and there is room to continue strengthening it through collaboration between authorities, community organisations and the public.
What is equally important is continued collaboration between authorities, community organisations and the public in order to build environments where safety is embedded into how spaces are designed and managed.”
As of press time, theSun had reached out to Bukit Aman for verification but had yet to receive a response. Previously, a story circulating online alleged that carjackers were placing stickers or sheets of paper on the rear windscreens of vehicles to trick drivers into stepping out of their cars.
According to the report, drivers would notice the obstruction when reversing, get out to remove it, and at that moment, carjackers would allegedly enter the vehicle and drive away.
It also claimed that the tactic had been used to hijack vehicles and urged motorists to remove any obstruction only after reaching a safer location.