JB : A safe city? June 19, 2007
Posted by Han in : Current Affair , trackbackLast Sunday (17/06/2007), I took part in a campaign organized by the Tionghua Federation of Johor Bahru (JB). JB is a city located right at the south of Peninsular Malaysia. The purpose of the campaign was to gather 100,000 signatures and present a petition to the Johor State Government to take action against the rise of violent crimes in the city. There have been a lot of high profile cases of violent recentlyly in the city of JB.
Excerpts are some of the report from the local newspaper:
Over the past week, there have been two violent rapes that have triggered a public outcry against the perpetrators. In the first incident on 12/06/2007, 3 men raped a 19 year old girl and her 22 year old boyfriend could only watch helplessly because he had been slashed twice.
The following day, a group of armed men took a couple on a 1 hour terror ride before raping the 35 year old woman in the presence of her friend, who was also slashed.
Last month, a woman who was waiting in the car while her husband went into the toilet was held up at knife-point and taken on a terror ride, gang-raped and robbed. What horrified Malaysians was that the victim was a pregnant woman who begged the men to let her go but they took turns to rape her instead, in the presence of her 3 year old son, in a secluded area.
In May, a gang reportedly terrorized city folk by kicking them off their motorbikes before robbing them. Malaysians returning from Singapore were the targets.
I would like to encourage you to pray for the city of JB. This is something spiritual. We have to pray against the spirit of violent, rape and robbery in this city. They are getting bolder and bolder. Let the light of God shine in this city. Let the people, community, organizations, associations and the various governmental departments rise up in unity to combat the deteriorating situation.
At the same time I would like you to take some precautionary measures (especially if you are a girl).
1) To run away screaming for help as quick as possible if you meet any.
2) If you are unable to escape, try to speak in tongue violently and loudly so that the demon inside will be afraid. This is not a joke! Those acts are very demonic; normal human being will not commit such an inhuman act! Cast out the spirit of violent, rape and robbery.
3) I pray that none of us will meet any by being mindful of the followings:
a) Avoid risk areas such as dark alley, dimly lit areas, bushy areas, and short-cuts.
b) Be alert at all times, walk with your eyes and ears open.
c) If it is at night, do not go out by yourself. It’s a good practice to have someone accompanying you.
d) Never trust anyone easily even he/she is your friend’s friend. Always have some level of doubt towards someone whom you do not know.
e) Avoid any clothes which attract too much negative attention from men/boys.
f) Avoid going out at night to buy grocery or any other necessities. Try to get them during the day time. If there is no choice, please get someone to accompany you.
4) If you are driving, please be patient. It’s ok if someone overtake you. Do not try to fight back. Do not park at secluded or quiet place. Try to park near the entrance or guard house. If you find someone tailgating you, please drive straight to the police station or a crowded place.
If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. Psalms 91:9-14
Lastly, is JB a safe city? As a Johorean working in Singapore, I travel in and out of this busy and vibrant city everyday. I see lots of people coming in from Singapore to shop and eat even during this period of time. Many took advantage of the strong currency. Like any other city, I guess we must exercise caution at all times, avoid remote places and be more patient. May God protects and gives wisdom to the authority to arrest the culprits.
Comments»
As a Johorean who had lived here for more than 3 decades, its indeed disheartening to see & hear violent crimes happening here almost evryday! Young students, housewifes, drivers, motorists, shoppers, tourists , & etc… had all fell victim to the unscrupulous thugs. Besides taking measures, I totally agree that the weapon of PRAYER for this city is extremely important as in Ephesians 6:12 - we’re not against flesh & blood but the evil forces of darkness! Especially for those living in JB, let us all put up the armor of God & raise up God’s shield of faith together to EXTINGUISH all the flaming darts of the evil one! Remember just one of our prayer will send a thousand of them to flee so KEEP ON PRAYING!