Students urged to reject crime

LocalPolitics
22 Aug 2025 • 12:00 AM MYT
Daily Express
Daily Express

Daily Express Online (Malaysia) is Sabah's top-ranked & most viewed English news site. It is also Sabah's leading & most circulated daily English newspaper.

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Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) Sabah branch has urged students to develop strong moral awareness and reject all forms of crime, for the benefit of their future and the nation.

MCPF Sabah Chairman, Tan Sri TC Goh, said instilling values and awareness in students is far more effective than trying to monitor their actions constantly.

“We must not only reject crime but also help students understand why it’s important to do so. Awareness and moral consciousness are key. With these values, students won’t tolerate wrongdoing around them,” he said during the “Satu Hati Tolak Jenayah” programme at Kota Kinabalu High School.

He emphasised that schools and law enforcement cannot be expected to watch over students at all times, and that a safe, harmonious environment must be built on shared values across races and religions.

Goh also warned that crime among youth now goes beyond physical acts like bullying or fighting, and includes cyber threats, scams, and online harassment.

“Words on social media can hurt just as much as physical acts. Practising respect and courtesy, both in person and online, will help us create a more caring society,” he said.

Meanwhile, Datuk Johnny Chong Ewe Gee, Chairman of the MCPF Crime Prevention Club Committee, described the Sabah event as one of the foundation’s most successful since its establishment 26 years ago, attracting around 300 students.

“This is the biggest programme since KPJ was established. We thank the Ministry of Education in Sabah for supporting this initiative,” he said.

Johnny’s session focused on bullying, scams (including Macau and cyber scams), and drug awareness. He encouraged the police’s school liaison officers to visit schools regularly and suggested that the Education Department install CCTV in critical areas such as hostels and teachers’ quarters.

Also present was Sabah State Education Department representative Robert John, who revealed that in 2024, a total of 3,433 student misconduct cases were recorded under the criminal behaviour category, including assault, extortion, and threats.

“Success in school is not just academic; it’s also about character. Small wrongdoings can lead to serious habits. Don’t ignore or cover up criminal acts—report them,” he reminded students.

Both MCPF and the Education Department stressed that crime prevention must start with awareness, education, and community cooperation, and expressed hope that the initiative would strengthen ties between schools, police, and families.

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