KUCHING: Some 850 police personnel are involved in the two-week state-level ‘Op Selamat ‘ in conjunction with this year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
The two-week ‘Op Selamat’ being held from 8 to 22 June was officially launched by Head of Crime Prevention and Community Security Department, SAC Shafie Bin Ismail on behalf of Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato’ Sri Amer Bin Haji Awal at Plaza Merdeka here, yesterday.
The operation is meant to ensure the safety of road users and celebrants’ houses in the city and towns throughout the state are secured while they are celebrating in their villages.
The police are focusing on accident prone areas or ‘black spot areas’ and also crime hot spot areas where house break-in often occurred.
The operation is also conducted based on the Total Enforcement Approach as the advocacy and awareness concept is ineffective to drivers and road users.
This is to ensure that all road users will be more careful when driving on the road especially during the upcoming festive season. The operation is also focusing on keeping houses secured for those leaving their house in the city and town to celebrate Hari Raya in their villages.
The operation will also involve Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) and Sarawak Marine Department to focus on safety of the public when using sea and river routes throughout the state.
Hence, the state police are appealing for public cooperation to ensure the operation is successfully.
The public is also reminded to adhere to directives from the relevant authorities.
Later when speaking to the media, Shafie said the objectives of ‘Op Selamat’ is firstly to ensure that road users arrive safely at their respective destinations and secondly to ensure houses left behind by the occupants are secured and safe.
On house break-in cases committed by foreigners, he said thus far this year there is no case reported.
“Last year, yes, but this year, no. I believe the JSJ (Criminal Investigation Department) has already taken appropriate action in tackling the issue and we hope there is no more case.
“I hope during this ‘Op Selamat’ there will be no more robbery cases in the state,” he said.
During the launch yesterday, safety helmets and goodies were also presented to motorcyclists.
