The government has been urged to implement mandatory caning and jail time for at least a year to those convicted of snatch theft.
Malaysia Community Policing Association and 17 non-governmental organisations said a stiffer sentence can help reduce the snatch theft cases in the country.
Association president Kuan Chee Heng said current laws are too ‘soft’ and not very effective in deterring criminals from committing the crime.
He also urged that the current provision which states that those convicted 'can be' caned should be changed to 'will be' caned as a warning to criminals.
Currently, there are no specific laws for snatch thefts but those convicted will be charged under the Penal Code with stealing which does not involve violence.
For snatch thefts that involve violence, weapons or causing injury to the victim, those convicted will be charged with armed robbery.
The maximum sentence for snatch theft without violence is five years for first time offenders and seven for repeat offenders while a maximum sentence of 20 years is imposed for snatch thefts involving violence.
Astro Awani
No comments:
Post a Comment