LET’S FIGHT CRIMES TOGETHER: Bhaskran (third right) in a group photograph with the students and teachers at SJK(C) Tian Hua in Sibu Jaya. On his left are Wong and Razman Jahaluddin.
SIBU: Sibu Jaya police called on parents and teachers to look out for disciplinary problems of students, saying the problems might lead them to social problems and crimes in the latter part of their lives.
Speaking in an anti-crime dialogue at SJK(C) Tian Hua, officer-in-charge Sgt Major Bhaskran Andy said there had been an increasing trend of students in Primary Four and above in the country turning to social ills when adults showed an indifferent attitude towards their disciplinary problems.
He said some also became bullies in schools, ending up later in hooliganism.
“The problems often begin small, like when students playing truant to smoke outside, fight, loiter and walk about shirtless. They also create problems in school to get attention.”
Bhastran said problematic students had been taken into the police station where they offered them counseling.
“We must work together to ensure a happy childhood for them; we must guard them because they are the future pillars; help them to build their life towards their nation-building role.”
To the students, he said they should not cheat themselves or their parents, for they were the ones at the losing end.
“Study hard, and when you do well, the country will help you in your higher education.”
More than 800 students and their teachers were present at the dialogue yesterday morning.
Also present were headmaster Wong Tiing Wuong and another police officer L. Cpl Razman Jahaluddin.
Bhastran also warned girls, saying they could become possible victims of sexual harassment.
He said they should be careful when walking home from school.
“Do not take remote short-cut routes or back lanes. Try not to walk alone.”
To help the police solve the case, he said victims should look for the physical particulars of the criminals and the registration plate and colour of their car.
“If you are near the school, run to tell your teachers, or else, call 999, for if you walk to the police station, it might take too long and the criminals will get away.”
He also warned students against talking to strangers, for it might open a chance to them in the harassment.
“Never keep the trauma to yourselves after the incident. Talk to your teachers, parents, relatives or adults whom you trust so that the matter could be referred to us.”
The police officer also warned students of the possible child abduction cases, saying if students were grabbed, shout for attention, and when they struggled free, run towards the crowd.
Bhaskran also warned them against talking to strangers because the criminals might abuse their ignorance to squeeze information out of them to plan for break-ins at their houses.
He said it was common for both parents to be working, and students alone at home should not open the door for strangers.
“If there is a need, speak to them through locked front door. Some strangers might trick you into opening by saying they are friends of your parents.”
Bhaskran has also noted some parents taking children to school in Sibu Jaya did not have helmets for themselves and their children.
“If your parents do that, tell them you do not want the dangerous ride. The journey to school might only take minutes, but, road accidents can happen.”
In the event yesterday morning, headmaster Wong Tiing Wuong handed over a memento to Bhaskran.