KUALA LUMPUR: There is a need to introduce a new law, the Vandalism Act, to deal with the increasing cases of vandalism in the country, the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) said.
MCPF vice-chairman Lee Lam Thye said the new legislation should provide for heavier fines and compulsory community service.
“This can be done now that Article 6 of the Federal Constitution, which prohibits forced labour, has been amended several years ago,” he said in a statement today.
For habitual offenders, the act should provide for imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years as well as caning, subject to the Criminal Proceduce Code, he said.
He said although vandalism in Malaysia was not as severe as in many countries in the west, the quantum of damage renders it a serious problem that must be tackled effectively.
He also added that vandalism by-laws enforced by the local authorities were inadequate to solve the problem.
Vandals had been targeting public facilities including public phones, garbage bins, lifts, parking meters, bus shelters, public signboards and public toilets, he said.
“It is recognised that vandalism must be tackled via education, inculcation of good values, social responsibility and civic consciousness.
“However education alone is not sufficient, it must be backed up by a stringent legislation and strong enforcement,” he added.
-Bernama
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