George Town, February 17 – The recent riot in Batu Feringghi involving six Indian men has once again raised serious concerns about the rising number of such incidents among Indian youth. This is not an isolated case but rather a reflection of deeper social issues that require immediate attention from community leaders, particularly Members of Parliament and ministers representing the Indian community.
In light of this, an MP or minister from the Indian community should take the initiative to meet with young individuals who frequently find themselves caught in such conflicts. A dialogue session must be held to understand the real issues driving many Indian youth into situations like these.
Are they struggling with economic hardship, social pressures, limited job opportunities, or external influences pushing them toward violence? The answers to these critical questions can only be obtained by listening directly to their grievances.
Elected representatives should not only be visible during election periods but must also be on the ground to grasp the real challenges faced by young Indian Malaysians today. Authorities should also focus on long-term preventive measures, such as increasing educational opportunities, providing more youth development programs, and ensuring accessible support systems for guidance and assistance.
Additionally, parents and community leaders must play an active role in guiding young people, preventing them from falling into cycles of violence or negative influences. Cooperation between the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community leaders is essential in finding effective solutions to address this growing concern.
The Batu Feringghi riot should serve as a wake-up call and a turning point for serious efforts in tackling social issues among Indian youth. We must not allow such incidents to continue happening without meaningful action that leads to real, positive change.