Don't be angry with the Kelantan police chief

Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd. Yusoff Mamat has become a focal point of controversy for his candid revelations about the state's social realities. His statements, which often touch upon sensitive issues, have drawn criticism from some quarters who feel he is damaging Kelantan's image, particularly given its reputation as 'Serambi Mekah' (Veranda of Mecca).

However, the article posits that confronting these uncomfortable truths is more beneficial than concealing them. Since assuming his post, Mohd. Yusoff has consistently spoken out about serious threats, including the persistent problem of "pil kuda" (amphetamine pills) abuse. He has also voiced grave concerns over a rise in incestuous relationships, previously considered isolated incidents but now a growing worry.

Mohd. Yusoff has also shed light on the critical issue of child neglect in Kelantan, attributing it significantly to parents being incarcerated. He noted that many fathers are imprisoned for drug-related crimes, sexual offenses, and other criminal activities. This parental absence leaves children without support, making them vulnerable to neglect and social problems.

The article emphasizes that these social ills are interconnected. Drug abuse, sexual crimes, family breakdown, and child neglect form a chain of consequences. When a father is jailed for drug offenses, it not only removes an offender from society but also devastates a family, leaving children deprived of affection and guidance, potentially perpetuating a cycle of problems. Similarly, a mother's imprisonment can lead to children being cared for by relatives or, worse, left unattended, increasing their risk of dropping out of school, engaging in social vices, or becoming victims of exploitation.

Mohd. Yusoff's observation that a lack of religious education and family institution failures are primary factors in child neglect should not be dismissed as mere accusations. Instead, they are insights drawn from his extensive experience managing thousands of criminal and welfare cases. The police, he implies, are at the forefront, witnessing the hidden struggles within households.