Latest news with #Sundramoorthy
The Sun
7 days ago
- The Sun
Ban on tampered vape may backfire, says academic
GEORGE TOWN: As calls to ban tampered vape products such as K-Pod grow louder, experts have warned that an outright ban may backfire, exacerbating the problem rather than solving it. They say addressing the issue requires political will, inter-agency coordination, psychological insight and, above all, compassion. Universiti Sains Malaysia criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy described the rise of adulterated vapes as an escalation in Malaysia's struggle against evolving forms of substance abuse. 'What makes these products especially dangerous is not just their chemical composition but their design. They are discreet, odourless and flavoured. 'Tampered vape liquids have essentially become stealthy, socially accepted delivery systems for synthetic drugs. And they are alarmingly accessible to school and college students.' However, he cautioned that a blanket ban could worsen the situation by pushing the market further underground, which would make adulterated products even harder to trace and control. 'It could also penalise legitimate users who rely on vaping as a harm-reduction tool,' he said. He warned that a ban may trigger backlash from young voters and small-business owners, who form part of the country's growing vape retail sector. Sundramoorthy called instead for multi-layered regulation and the creation of a centralised regulatory body to oversee vape policy, including mandatory chemical testing of vape liquids, particularly flavoured and imported variants, before they are approved for sale. He proposed tougher penalties for vendors caught selling tampered products near schools or youth-centric areas. He said despite recent regulatory changes, Malaysia's legal framework remains inadequate to handle the vape industry's growing complexity. 'There is no comprehensive ban or regulation on vape liquids, particularly those imported or sold online. Enforcement at the point of sale is sporadic and customs control over vape paraphernalia remains porous.' He added that forensic labs are underequipped and understaffed, making rapid testing during school raids or medical emergencies almost impossible. 'This is a textbook case of enforcement mechanisms struggling to keep pace with innovation in substance abuse. Without a centralised regulatory body, efforts are fragmented. The result is a policy vacuum that criminals exploit with ease,' he said. Sundramoorthy also said the issue highlights broader systemic failures, such as porous borders, weak inter-agency coordination, inconsistent enforcement, institutional corruption and outdated educational messaging, all of which undermine national resilience. He called for the formation of a national task force comprising police, the Health Ministry, the Customs Department, forensic experts and educators to lead enforcement while also crafting culturally relevant awareness campaigns that target youth, parents and teachers. Malaysian Psychological Association president Assoc Prof Dr Shazli Ezzat Ghazali stressed that the solution must address the emotional and psychological state of Malaysian youth. 'The answer is not merely a lack of information, but rather deeper psychological factors. Vape use is sometimes not just experimentation. It could become a defensive mechanism for coping, an escape from academic pressure, family conflict, social anxiety or low self-worth,' he said. He explained that adolescence is a time of intense peer influence and identity confusion, and vaping is often used as a tool to 'join the gang' or appear 'cool'. 'Many teens are in an identity crisis and those unable to find themselves experience role confusion,' he said. He noted that the adolescent brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which governs impulse control and risk evaluation, is not yet fully developed, making teens more likely to follow trends without grasping long-term consequences. He added that colourful packaging and sweet flavours make vaping seem fun and harmless, distancing it from the health risks that are traditionally associated with cigarettes. 'Pop culture and social media indirectly normalise the use of illicit substances, making it seem bold, free and attractive.' Shazli said products such as K-Pod that offer a quick euphoric high appeal especially to youths dealing with stress, depression or emotional instability. A May report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime revealed the detection of etomidate, a hypnotic anaesthetic agent, in e-liquids used in vape devices. Misuse of this substance has been linked to symptoms such as intoxication, hand tremors, anxiety, panic and confusion.
The Star
29-06-2025
- The Star
Hostel security gap raises alarm
PETALING JAYA: Educational institutions in Malaysia need to build a system where safety protocols, from staff vigilance to student awareness, are embedded into daily routines, says criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy. 'University campuses are supposed to be secure sanctuaries for intellectual growth, self-discovery and personal safety. ALSO READ: Police urge stricter checks on off-campus housing 'While universities often claim to have around-the-clock security and restricted access, many students report a different reality,' said the former lecturer, who has headed Universiti Sains Malaysia's security department and other universities overseas in the past. Weak enforcement of visitor logs, under-trained guards, malfunctioning CCTV systems and the absence of emergency protocols appear to be common across Malaysian campuses, he added. 'If a perpetrator could enter, remain undetected and commit murder in a hostel room, then it raises profound questions. 'Was there no control to access? Were there no security patrols? Was the CCTV system functioning or was one even installed? Where was the supervisory framework? 'Security is not just about equipment and technology. It's about culture. 'Many institutions still treat security as an afterthought rather than a core responsibility. At a minimum, hostels must have access control mechanisms such as digital key cards, biometrics and automated logs that track entries and exits,' he said. Sundramoorthy also said there should be female security officers in female hostels and trained emergency responders who can act swiftly in case of threats. 'Student hostels are not commercial buildings but living spaces filled with young people in their most formative years. 'It is not enough to merely offer education. Universities or colleges must guarantee protection, dignity and peace of mind for their students,' he said. Noting that there are currently no binding national standards governing hostel safety across Malaysian universities, he called on the Higher Education Ministry to promptly establish such a framework complete with enforceable protocols, independent audits, operator licensing and student complaint mechanisms. He referred to security protocols in developed education institutions in the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan and Singapore, where student hostels are treated as high-risk zones requiring professional security systems and management. He noted that Nanyang Technological University in Singapore has facial recognition-based access and that in many US universities, campus-wide emergency alert systems are linked to local police stations and campus security. Some Australian and European education institutions provide mandatory night-time security audits and female-only floor protocols, Sundramoorthy added. Security in areas such as hostels and dorms, especially those housing female residents, can be enhanced with advanced technology, said Datuk J. Narasingarao, who has worked in the security industry for 35 years. The owner of Reeliance Security Services was asked to comment on the safety of women hostels, which has been an issue after the brutal murder of 20-year-old Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara in her hostel room at a private university in Cyberjaya on June 24. 'With the equipment and facilities available today, we can install another level of checkpoint without compromising the freedom and privacy for residents. 'A proper CCTV system combined with the latest technology is available at reasonable prices and can be installed at the main pathways to curb intruders. 'This should be accompanied with notifications in strategic places to remind people that they are being watched, along with a proper control room with scheduled maintenance and supervision. 'There should also be a back-up security system and random checks on movements, as sometimes these touch-and-go applications can be transferred to other people, and visitor registers might not be checked,' he said. For students, he added, the orientation they get before they enter dorms and hostels is important. There must be strict, regimented deterrents. 'While we believe in the freedom of the residents, their safety is the top priority for those hired to handle the security,' he said. He said his firm has managed residential hostels and dorms of private universities, but the cost is high as the risks and obligations are higher than normal.
New Straits Times
17-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Violent crime fears rise, but homicide rate stays low
audreymd@ GEORGE TOWN: Public concern over violent crime continues to grow in the country, a leading criminologist said. However, the country's homicide rate remains low by global standards. Universiti Sains Malaysia's Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy said Malaysia's rate, currently around 0.7 to 0.9, aligned more closely with nations like Japan, Singapore and those in Scandinavia. According to official data, a total of 476 murder cases were reported during 2023 and 2024 — translating to fewer than one murder per 100,000 people annually. This figure positions Malaysia well below the global average of 5.8 homicides per 100,000, as reported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). It also compares favourably with regional neighbors: Thailand (3.2), Indonesia (1.6), and the Philippines (6.5, post-drug war era). Universiti Sains Malaysia's Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy said Malaysia's rate, currently around 0.7 to 0.9, aligned more closely with nations like Japan, Singapore and those in Scandinavia. Sundramoorthy said despite the strong statistical standing, many Malaysians perceived violent crime — particularly murder — as a growing threat. A 2022 National Crime Victimisation Survey found that while only two per cent of respondents felt unsafe from violent crime in their own neighborhoods, 65 per cent believed crime had worsened nationwide. According to the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID), 261 murder cases were reported in 2023, averaging five cases per week or 21 per month. For the period between January and November last year, the CID recorded 215 murder cases, averaging four cases weekly or 17 per month. Selangor recorded the highest number of murder cases with 115 between 2023 and November 2024, followed by Perak (60 cases), Johor (59), Sabah (47), and Sarawak (36). Elaborating, Sundramoorthy said the police had consistently emphasised that most murder cases in the country were not random, gang-related, or part of organised crime networks. According to CID director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, over 60 per cent of homicide cases between 2020 and 2024 involved someone known to the victim — a spouse, family member, friend, or colleague. Shuhaily said these were not killings committed by strangers on the street but emotional crimes, often triggered by domestic disputes, jealousy, or personal betrayal. Police's 2023 crime bulletin supported this, noting that contract killings, gangland murders, and syndicate-linked homicides accounted for less than eight per cent of total cases.
New Straits Times
09-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Criminologist calls for new laws to curb AI porn
GEORGE TOWN: New laws and mechanisms are needed to curb the spread of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated pornography, said a criminalogist. Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy, from Universiti Sains Malaysia's Centre for Policy Research , warned that such content posed serious risks to the mental health of victims, especially minors. "The law is playing catch-up while technology is sprinting ahead," he said. "In the meantime, our youths are exposed, our victims are silenced, and our justice system is ill-equipped," he told the New Straits Times. He said the Penal Code was not designed for a world where "anyone with a smartphone can destroy a person's reputation in minutes". "The fact that a teenager could so easily exploit his peers using off-the-shelf technology should terrify us," he said. Sundramoorthy was referring to the arrest of a 16-year-old private school student in Johor for allegedly using AI to edit and sell lewd images of his female classmates. He is being investigated under Section 292 of the Penal Code for selling and distributing obscene material and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for improper use of network facilities. Sundramoorthy said Malaysia needed laws that reflected the realities of digital abuse and empower ed victims with protection and redress. "Victims often suffer twice. Once from the abuse itself, and again when society shames them into silence. This mirrors the trauma of sexual assault, where victims are blamed instead of supported." He called for legislation that defines and criminalises AI-generated and deepfake pornography, and for fast-track content removal mechanisms on social media. "This could be similar to the 'Take it Down' Act in the United States," he said. "The time for reform is now. Not after another teenager is victimised, not after another viral scandal." Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) advocacy officer Tamyra Selvarajan said Malaysia's reactive legal framework failed to address the long-term psychological and reputational harm faced by survivors. "Our laws are growing, but they are still largely punitive, not preventive or restorative," she said. "There is no equivalent of the 'Take it Down' Act here. Survivors are often left waiting, reporting to authorities while harmful content remains live and circulating." Tamyra said survivors, particularly women and minors, often navigated a confusing legal and enforcement maze, with no clarity on which agency held jurisdiction. "The problem is far from theoretical," she said. Tamyra said WAO handled a case this year involving a woman victimised by AI-generated porn. In another case documented by the All Women's Action Society (Awam) Telenita Helpline, a man was blackmailed with intimate videos recorded during a video call. Tamyra said these cases highlighted key system gaps: no centralised reporting platform, no mandated takedown timelines and no survivor-centred support services. She urged the government to consider a law akin to the US "Take it Down" Act, noting that existing Malaysian legislation, including the Penal Code, Communications and Multimedia Act, Anti-Sexual Harassment Act and the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, were not designed for the era of AI and deepfakes. "If a country like the US, often criticised for its fragmented approach to tech regulation, can pass a federal law within months, Malaysia must at least begin with serious intent. "What we're asking for is not censorship, it's dignity, safety, and justice," she said
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Child abuse: Poverty, mental health to blame, says expert
GEORGE TOWN: The disturbing revelation of over 4,000 child abuse cases in Penang since 2010 highlights a critical societal issue that warrants urgent attention, according to a criminologist. Universiti Sains Malaysia's Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy said that identifying the root causes behind this rise was essential for the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies. He said that economic hardship played a significant role in contributing to child abuse. "Families facing poverty and unemployment often endure elevated stress levels, which can result in neglect or abuse. The Family Stress Model explains how economic disadvantage can lead to psychological distress in caregivers, which in turn affects parenting behaviours and increases the risk of child maltreatment," he told the New Straits Times. Dr Sundramoorthy said that parental mental health issues — such as depression, anxiety and personality disorders — were closely associated with instances of abuse. "Parents struggling with these issues may find it difficult to regulate their emotions, potentially leading to harmful behaviour towards their children. "A lack of parenting knowledge and skills may also result in inappropriate disciplinary actions and neglect. Without proper guidance, some parents may unintentionally harm their children, which underscores the importance of accessible parenting education programmes. "Family instability, including divorce and domestic violence, creates environments in which children are more vulnerable to abuse. The absence of a parent or continuous conflict within the household can lead to both emotional and physical harm." He added that parental substance abuse — including alcohol and drugs — impaired judgement and increases the likelihood of abusive behaviour. Dr Sundramoorthy said that external stressors, such as overcrowded living conditions and a lack of social support, exacerbated the risks of child maltreatment. "In short, the complex nature of child abuse calls for a holistic approach that tackles economic, psychological, and social contributors. Providing support such as mental health services, parenting education, and financial aid can significantly reduce these risks. "Community involvement and the robust enforcement of child protection laws are equally vital in ensuring the safety and well-being of children," he said. State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said that the Penang Social Welfare Department had recorded a total of 4,080 child abuse cases since 2010, including 201 reported between January and April this year. Of these, 113 cases involved girls and 88 boys. The reports encompass physical, sexual, and emotional abuse across all five districts in the state. The data reflects a long-standing trend in which girls are disproportionately affected by sexual abuse.
