KUCHING: Being a policeman or policewoman is not just about maintaining public order and security but also about reaching out to the community.

In keeping to the motto, “Polis dan Masyarakat Berpisah Tiada”, the Kuching district police headquarters (IPD) therefore took the initiative to rehabilitate the homes of the poor and underprivileged in Kampung Buntal.

One of the houses is inhabited by an elderly couple, Sukeri Zaini, 70, and his wife, Noni Ghazali, 69, who have lived there for 20 years.

They do not have children and without permanent jobs they rely on the RM300 monthly assistance from the Social Welfare Department (JKM).

But thanks to a RM10,000 allocation by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Kuching IPD together with the locals helped replace the damaged walls, floor and roof as well as repainted the couple’s house.

The handing over of the newly renovated house, was officiated by Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri at the ‘Program Sentuh Kasih’ in commemoration with the 215th Police Day yesterday (Aug 23).

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata, Sarawak Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department chief SAC Wong Ing Fung, Sarawak Management Department acting chief ACP James Jonathan, Sarawak Special Branch (Intelligence and Operations) deputy chief ACP Yuszida Basria and other senior police officers.

Azman said the renovated house will provide comfort to Zaini and Noni.

Other than that, the couple also received food aid from the Kuching IPD welfare fund.

“The Kuching district police chief (OCPD) has a far-sighted view and takes proactive actions (in programmes like this).

“We will convey this proposal to the relevant district police chiefs and priority will be given to retired and former police including villagers who need support and assistance,” he said.

He added that such programme will involve collaboration with assemblymen and MPs in Sarawak in conjunction with the coming Police Day.

In the meantime, Kuching OCPD ACP Ahsmon Bajah said his headquarters has implemented a total of 16 welfare programmes for retired and ex-policemen in the district.

He said the programme held yesterday, was the result of the welfare month that was launched at the Kuching district-level last July.