Dear Editor,
Being a bicyclist, I find it very easy not only to observe the blatant traffic violations by every category of commuter on our roads, but also the litterbugs, potential pickpockets, paucity of road traffic signs, potholes, road encumbrances, overgrown/clogged canals/ drains, etc.
Police, sitting ensconced in their cushy vehicles, just whizz past the above-mentioned violations, turning a convenient blind eye to these illegalities, thus exacerbating the anarchy on our roads.
Putting police (black clothed) with machine guns on foot/motor bike patrols in a busy, crowded downtown George-town or any other populated area is of no use. Should they let loose with those guns, many innocent bystanders would be killed or maimed. The almost non-existence of the mounted branch, or whatever is left of it, should be only used for pomp and ceremony.
Foot patrols and bicycle patrols must be people friendly – assisting, guiding, correcting, cautioning, directing, observing and of course arranging when necessary.
Daily logs should be properly recorded and the information speedily communicated to the relevant authorities so that corrective measures can be urgently effected.
These police (men and women) should be dressed in short pants, equipped with functioning radio sets, sirens and the necessary law enforcement paraphernalia in order to ensure efficient policing.
The advent of such patrols, apart from preventing mishaps, would also give a much needed facelift to relations between the force and the public.
Yours faithfully,
Roger A Bhulai
