Housing developers say property owners should be prepared to pay more for the enhanced security measures to be incorporated in building designs.

Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda) president Datuk Seri Michael Yam said such measures like safer walkways came with a price.

“Would the market be willing to pay a higher price for the implementation and maintenance of these measures?

“Developers should be left to decide if it is financially viable for them to include all the measures.

“Using legislation to enforce this would be challenging,” Yam said.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heungannounced on Wednesday that the ministry had set aside RM64mil to build safer walkways to foil snatch thieves.

The walkways, to be built further from roads and separated by barriers, are to be implemented in 151 local authorities nationwide by next month.

Acting Kuala Lumpur police chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Amar Singhsaid police would not stop making their rounds despite the additional safety measures being und taken by local councils.

He said measures to prevent crime through environmental design should work in conjunction with crime prevention rounds by the police.

“It is another level of protection.

“We will still be working closely with resident associations and volunteer patrol groups to combat crime,” said SAC Amar Singh.

Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation vice-president Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said barricades were the most effective method of fighting snatch thieves.

“Preventing crime through environmental design would minimise the opportunities for criminals to strike,” Lee said.

He added that although the programme had outlined the role of local authorities, town planners and architects, the public also needed to play their part.

“They are the eyes and ears of the authorities,” Lee said.