NOVEMBER 3 ― The deafening silence by the authorities over 17 deaths in Penang involving Myanmar nationals in the past 10 months is both frightening and shocking.
Although most of the victims are believed to be Buddhists, police have been quick to dispel talks the deaths were related to religious and ethnic conflicts.
Penang police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi and even Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar had said there were no evidence at this point to suggest the cases were related to communal clashes.
The casual dismissal by police over the matter and the fact that no individuals had been arrested over the killings raises numerous questions.
Is there a serial killer among us? Has action been slow because the victims are foreigners?
If the murders are not related to ethnic clashes, then does this mean there is a serial killer on the loose in the state, given the modus operandi of the murders are the same?
The deceased were all male, most worked in factories and were found with their throats slit. Their bodies were dumped at plantations, bushes and other deserted areas mainly in Seberang Prai.
What police have told us, thus far, is they have only managed to seize several weapons, including knives, in relation to the killings.
Police have also said they were finding it difficult to investigate due to language barrier and assistance had been sought from Bukit Aman.
Penang police said they had sought assistance from Federal police, yet we are being informed they were still waiting for a reply from Bukit Aman. It has been more than a month.
On Thursday, images of masked men with firearms in Penampang went viral. There were claims that armed men had held several people hostage in a hypermarket. Others alleged it was a stand-off between Sulu intruders and police. There were also wild allegations of a cover-up by the authorities.
Countless speculations were raised but efforts to obtain clarification to ease the anxiety fell on deaf ears as there were no attempts by the authorities to clear the air.
Sabah police only held a press conference a day after the incident.
They revealed the duo, who were shot dead, were armed robbers suspected of channeling their loot to Sulu militants.
If addressed earlier, unwarranted claims and panic, especially among locals and those on social media could have been avoided.
On Saturday, we saw football fans light smoke bombs and flares outside the National Stadium prior to the kickoff of the Malaysia Cup final between Johor Darul Takzim and Pahang.
The FA of Malaysia had earlier said more than 2,000 police personnel would be stationed in and around the national sports complex.
Efforts to obtain a clarification from police, once again proved futile.
No statements were issued on Saturday, as if lighting flares and smoke bombs in a public place is considered “fine”. One wonders if police were casually standing as bystanders when the flares were lit outside the stadium.
Right after the match ended, more flares and smoke bombs were set off in the stadium. The incident occurred despite security checks before fans were allowed in.
It remains unclear if any action was taken — despite flares and smoke bombs being categorised as flammable material which can hurt or injure another.
As such, is it “fine” for people to start lighting smoke bombs and flares in a public area?
One also wonders how such items are easily available to the masses.
A Malay Mail journalist, had in an expose in May, ordered a flare and smoke bomb online and had them couriered from Johor Baru via PosLaju. This was despite repeated warnings that such items are dangerous.
The casual dismissal by the men in blue in such cases is setting a worrying precedent.
The police must understand the need for quick action and the need for information to be disseminated fast to dispel fear and put an end to speculations.
Anger and fear can erupt easily in an era where people wake up to the sound of a Facebook notification or a WhatsApp message alert.
The force must be serious and stop casually dismissing matters of public interest as it would only serve to dent the image of the force and do more harm than good.
*This is the personal opinion of the columnist.
