Premier Mao Chi-kuo has ordered a cross-ministerial response to the spate of random knife attacks that have struck Taiwan over the past year.
At the Cabinet Thursday, Mao said that none of the attackers had major criminal histories. Mao said that all of the attackers were alienated from society, showing the weakness of family support networks. Mao also said that the attacks are no longer isolated incidents, and that Taiwanese society must view them seriously.
Mao instructed Minister without Portfolio Joyce Feng to gather government bodies including the health and education ministries. Under Feng’s direction, the ministries will work to identify high risk groups and give them appropriate support.
Mao has also instructed the National Police Agency to work with local governments to boost police presence on public transport.