Women, children unsafe even in homes - Women's association
Recent crimes raise concerns about women's security
SHAH ALAM - Women and children must be vigilant even within their own homes, as recent tragedies have highlighted the dangers posed by family members, according to Malaysian Women's Aspiration Association (ASWA).
Its chairman, Wan Azliana Wan Adnan said that several brutal murders in recent times have targeted women and children, with the most tragic aspect being that the perpetrators are often people close to them.
She cited cases such as a woman who was pushed by her husband into a ravine in Gerik, Perak, before being rescued by passersby, and a teacher allegedly murdered by an acquaintance, with her body found in a trash bin in Melaka.
These cases underline the danger posed by known individuals, she said.
"Previously, we were warned to be cautious around strangers, but with the current situation, we need to be careful even with family members and friends," she told Sinar on Tuesday.
Wan Azliana stressed the seriousness of a recent case where a mother and her daughter, both foreign nationals, were found dead in a drain in Alor Setar, Kedah, allegedly at the hands of a male family member, who is the husband and father of the victims.
She claimed the home, which should be a haven for women and children, no longer offers that protection.
She urged the government to take these heart-wrenching incidents seriously by providing early education to children to prevent them from becoming victims of cruelty.
"The government needs to address mental health issues early on, focusing on children to prevent them from developing aggressive behaviours that could harm others physically, mentally, or emotionally, like in bullying incidents.
"In bullying cases, perpetrators don't suddenly become bullies; they are often influenced by stories of gruesome murders or cyberbullying they see online," she added.
Wan Azliana also stressed the need for an Anti-Bullying Act to curb aggressive behavior that could lead to criminality.
On Tuesday, Sinar reported several brutal murders that have recently shocked the nation, raising concerns about whether Malaysia is still safe for women and children.
More worryingly, these cases have occurred one after another in a short period, suggesting that criminals may no longer fear the punishments awaiting them in court.
