SANDAKAN: The Voluntary Patrol Scheme (VPS) has helped to reduce crime rate, particularly at the neighborhoods in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Kundasang and Kota Belud.
State National Unity and Integration Department director Nurul Akmalina Haji Shamsuddin said the police chiefs in the four districts informed her on the effectiveness of the scheme.
“The VPS helps the local enforcement personnel in tackling crime and social problems such as loitering and theft. Some of VPS committees received appreciation awards from the police for their outstanding contribution.
“The decline of crime rates is not only recorded in urban areas but also in rural areas,” she told reporters after launching the Milo Sports Camp at Padang Bandaran here yesterday.
One hundred and seventy-five VPS have been established in the state
Meanwhile, more than 11,000 children under 12 years old in the country have joined the Milo Sports Camp since it was introduced in 2009.
The camp which aims to promote sports culture among the children, has ended its rally series for this year by visiting Sandakan for the first time yesterday.
Some 400 children participated in two sports categories which were football and netball at Padang Bandaran.
Nurul Akmalina said sports camp is the platform to nurture outdoor sports culture among the children.
She said it would have been even more appropriate to be held during school holidays as outdoor activities are healthier than sitting at home playing computer games or surfing the internet.
“This kind of outdoor sports activity allows children to be more active and physically fit as well as able to socialise among the peers in a healthy way.
“Besides, it is also good for physical and mental development that can help them in terms of learning,” she said.
The one-day programme was organised by 23 neighbourhood committees (Rukun Tetangga) around Sandakan area in collaboration with Milo Malaysia (Sandakan branch).
According to Nurul Akmalina, neigbourhood committees always give their solid commitment and support in organising various programmes for the benefit of local community.
Sandakan National Unity and Integration Department officer Esther Dingkawan, organising chairman Asmat Amit and members of neighbourhood committees also attended the programme.