Despite an increase of 1.05 per cent in index crime – comparing the period from January to April in 2018 and this year – Sarawak is peaceful as security is under control.
This was stated by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas in his ministerial winding-up speech yesterday.
Violent crimes decreased by 8.88 per cent (272 cases) but property crimes have increased by three per cent (47 cases) comprising housebreaking and theft.
“Although there was a slight increase in the crime index and property crimes, overall, Sarawak is still safe and secure,” Uggah said.
He revealed that the state’s National Security Council (NSC) together with the relevant enforcement agencies focused on cross-border crimes and managed to solve several cases of smuggling vehicles and controlled items in the first four months of the year.
He also said that maritime security has been given due attention as there were incidents of foreign nationals preventing local fishermen from fishing in Sarawak waters. The intrusion by foreign fishermen was also closely monitored and controlled by the relevant enforcement agencies.
In response to questions from Telang Usan and Murum assemblymen, Uggah said the construction of a police station at Long Bedian in Sungai Apoh while the one for Sungai Asap is still being assessed.
“On a proposal to build a new police beat station at Maludam to replace an obsolete building, the state government has allocated Lot 2546, Block 1, Triso Land District to the Federal Land Commissioner. The construction of the structure is subject to the approval of the federal government,” he said.
Concerning crime cases in Serian, Uggah said there has been no significant increase compared to last year.
“To safeguard the area effectively, the people are urged to be the eyes and ears of the police by giving information to the nearest police station,” he said.
The construction of an immigration control post at Ba’ Kelalan in Lawas is expected to be completed in July this year. It is now 78.33 per cent complete.
On security at Telok Melano in Lundu, the Immigration Department is identifying a strategic site for the construction of an immigration control post.
“The General Operations Force (PGA) has beefed up security at Telok Melano by 50 per cent by deploying more of its members there,” he said.
“The PGA has increased the number of patrols along the border and Lundu police have been patrolling and doing daily checks along the Pan-Borneo Highway since its opening a few months ago.”
Uggah further stated that the security council has set up periodic security dialogues which include elements of education, prevention and awareness of border areas.
“One session was held last Jan 6. It was attended by about 200 people from seven villages and 10 village headmen. Those involved in the programme are the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM) and police,” he said.
Regarding a facial recognition system and document scanners equipped with forensic software at the Kuching International Airport, Uggah said there is a plan to install the system at another gateway when the money for it is available.
“The Malaysian Immigration Department is developing an intelligent data profiling system to enhance their intelligence and data collection system that is capable of detecting admissions which can threaten national security,” he said.
