The case of a person arrested by the public believed to have committed a criminal offense often garnered the attention of society and the media.

Whether arrested for snatch theft, break-ins or molestation, offenders will not only receive insults but also physical attacks which could lead to injuries.

In more severe cases, there have been perpetrators beaten to death. It only adds to the problem when no one appears to stop this ‘public punishment’ and authorities arrive at the scene much later.


'General view'

In the latest case on Wednesday, a teenage orphan died after he was beatan by a group of men at a car wash outlet in Lebuh Carnovan, Georgetown, after he was accused of stealing from the workplace.

It is the responsibility of the police to investigate and decide who is guilty. There are rules and regulations that will punish any individuals violating this ruling.

On Astro AWANI’s official Facebook page, we let netizens have their say.

“Why did this happen? What is the reason that prompted them to act beyond their limits? Are people losing their sanity?” asked a netizen, referring to the public’s decision to take matters into their own hands.

Among other thoughts shared by Facebook users is that it occurs because people are losing their patience and compassion following the increasing number of crimes.

In addition, the 'violent' punishment by the public is considered as rage due to the pressures of life because of economic and environmental factors.

Others said it was because of the lack of religious belief.

Facebook user, Lawrence Nair, believes 'it all has to do with how a person was raised and the influences they have been exposed to'.


'Lessons'

From a different angle, the action taken by the public to catch and punish perpetrators are ‘encouraged’, said Sociology and Anthropology lecturer at International Islamic University of Malaysia, Prof Dr Fatimah Daud.

"I actually really want the public to do so. I've been waiting for so long to see the people dare to act on those who commit an offense or crime.

"As for the perpetrators, be prepared with public punishment. That's how we teach a group of people who are not civilized," she said.

According to Fatimah, that will actually teach more people to be civilized and instill hate on those who violate the law.

She added, society previously passed the responsibility to the authorities and perpetrators are not afraid of the surrounding communities.

If the public are always in the “monitor and punish” mode, the perpetrators will indirectly be afraid to commit any crime.

Fatimah said, public punishment will give satisfaction to some who consider it reasonable, but do not let the punishment cause death.

"At the same time, the public punishment which should be avoided are the ones that could potentially lead to a conflict between the races.

“The best method is make an arrest without jeopardising their own safety then hand over the perpetrator(s) to the authorities or police for further action,” she explained.

Fatimah, who has conducted many research on the behaviour of society, agreed that originally, the people in this country are very polite, loving, and caring.

However, with the influx of foreigners, especially immigrants, the positive values are overshadowed by the nature of outsiders who ignore manners, violate the laws and commit crimes without any fear.