Manama: A conservative lawmaker has urged the Bahraini authorities to boost police presence in the desert camps, saying that police forces were needed to ensure security and ethical behaviour.
"There is a strong need for a higher number of police patrols in the Sakhir camping areas where Bahraini families tend to gather to spend agreeable times. Now that the mid-year school holidays have started, the numbers of those who spend their time in the area is increasing and the mounted police as well as police patrols would have greater tasks," Abdul Halim Murad, MP for Al Asala, said.
"Their presence will guarantee better and tighter security and will ensure moral practices and ethical behaviour are upheld, especially that there are so many teenagers from both sexes in the area," said the MP whose society is the main Salafi formation in Bahrain.
Thousands of Bahrainis take advantage of the cool weather to camp in the Sakhir area, putting up their own tents or spending time with friends, colleagues or relatives.
The "going-back to the roots" tradition lasts until early March when temperatures rise. However, the peak of the camping season is the first two weeks of February when government schools are closed.
"Unfortunately, from our past observations and experiences, we know that there are some people, even though their numbers are limited, who engage in dangerous spectacular shows on their motorbikes and quads. There are also those who like following girls and harassing them," Abdul Halim said.
"This is unfair as people in general come to the camping area to relax and spend a good time. Many families have already complained to me and I urge the interior minister to direct his staff to take prompt and decisive action."
Bahrain's Sakhir desert camp is located around 40 kilometres south of Manama, the capital, but only around four kilometres from the Formula One race track.
Al Asala and other religious groups in Bahrain have regularly called for a tighter watch of places, including malls, cinemas and university campuses, where young men and women tend to mix.
The formation is spearheading a strong movement within the parliament supported by all other blocs to ensure full compliance of hotels and tourism places with "ethical behaviour and values."
