Grandma, 91, dies after robbery attack Update by LEE YUK PENG of The Star MALACCA: A 91-year-old grandmother, who was attacked by an assailant before robbing her of RM10 cash, a bangle, an earring and two rings on Tuesday when she was alone at home, died at the Malacca hospital this morning. Goh Ah Neh had cooked her favourite bowl of meesua for lunch at her home in Banda Hilir when the assailant confronted her. “He even told her that he would kill her because she will be able to recognise him,” said Goh’s granddaughter Teh Seo Fong. Police have classified the case as murder, said Melaka Tengah OCPD ACP Sidin Abdul Karim.

Snatch thieves and robbers, these despicable groups of people are getting front page news these days. However, this problem has been among us for a long time. It had to take the sacrifice of an innocent life before the relevant authorities could take note. Even then, the police has shown great inadequacies in dealing with this problem.

I could still remember the reply of a police officer during the time when a police report was being made with regards to a pickpocketing incident. "Biasalah itu. Kita tak boleh buat apa-apa." (That is the usual case. We cannot do anything.) The tone of resignation of the police itself speaks volumes. Firstly, the police prefers to take a back seat rather than tackling the bull by its horns. Secondly , it reflects the lackaidasical attitude of our police force. Till today , the same stretch of road famous as a shopping haven, remains plagued by pickpocketing and snatch thieves.

I believe that the police need to take a more serious and upfront role in battling this menace. There needs to be more plainclothes policemen to nab unsuspecting thieves. In tandem, the law needs to increase the penalties for such crimes currently deemed as minor offences. Ultimately, the Government needs to get the ball rolling. The Malaysian public is getting tired of reading story after story of snatch thief victims bearing the brunt of this unhealthy scourge.