Social ills among youths are a constant challenge anywhere in the world. There are several factors that cause social ills. But Eateries that operate late nights definitely do not contribute to social ills. Having roti canai or teh tarik in a local ‘mamak’ restaurant at 1am wouldn’t make a person a drug addict or a thief. It may just satisfy their cravings for a late night snack.
The main contributing factor to social ills is definitely the lack of education. Education definitely starts at home, which the parent or guardian plays a vital role. Nevertheless, the government, especially the education and youth and sports ministries should play a role in curbing social ills among the youth.
Our beloved education minister claims that our education system is one of the best in the world. If it is best in the world then the suggestion by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim to close eateries earlier ‘because it contributes to social ills’ doesn’t make sense at all. Because the best education in the world would definitely reduce social ills drastically. In this case, I beg to differ as our education system needs to be fixed badly.
As for entertainment outlets, there are existing by-laws in local councils on the operation timings which is already sufficient. There is no need to fix something that isn’t broken.
Therefore, there is no need to waste taxpayers’ money on suggestions or unnecessary proposals that would not make any difference to curb social ills. We do not need anymore ‘Ahmad Maslan’ types of ideas.
It is suggested that emphasis has to be given on education and the development of youths. As for the troubled youths, the government has to play it’s role in engaging with them via various ministries making sure that they are not left out of the system. Because if they’re left behind or out of the system it will eventually become a vicious cycle. In general, most crimes committed are due to socio-economic matters. Therefore youth development and empowerment should be given full emphasis at all levels in order to curb social illnesses.