KOTA KINABALU: The police will issue permits to trawlers and fishermen who conduct their activities at night, provided they stay out of the areas under curfew.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jalaludin Abdul Rahman said he had authorized district police chiefs to issue permits to the public who need to move around in the curfew areas.
He said the police would ensure the security of Sabah waters, following the announcement of the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on six coastal areas.
The six districts are Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kunak and Tawau, involving the sea about three nautical miles from the shore to the international border with the Philippines.
“I understand the problems faced by trawlers and fishermen.
“We will try to facilitate fishermen who wish to move around at night by giving them permits, but they cannot fish in the areas under curfew,” he said at the presentation of Raya cakes by Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) here yesterday.
Jalaludin also assured that the police would facilitate deep sea fishing operators in Sandakan who wanted to head for Kudat to carry out fishing.
On another note, he said the police had launched the fifth Ops Selamat this year earlier yesterday morning to ensure people drive safely home for Raya.
“I understand that many routes in Sabah are hazardous, especially with unpredictable weather,” he said.
Hence, the police have identified 20 accident-prone hotspots where police officers and personnel would be stationed, he said.
Jalaludin also urged those going back to their hometowns to register their home address with the police so that they could patrol their homes twice in the morning and twice at night.
“We want to achieve zero break-ins for all the houses that are registered with the police.
“If the registered homes are broken into, we will demand an explanation from the police officers and personnel who are responsible.
“That is my promise,” he said.
Meanwhile, LDP president Datuk Teo Chee Kang said Sabah was facing challenging security issues, especially in the east coast where the spate of intrusions and kidnap-for-ransom have occurred.
“It is even more saddening that a police personnel was killed when carrying out his duties while another was kidnapped by the terrorists,” he said.
Teo was referring to the latest incursion where Corporal Abdul Rajah Jamuan, 32, was shot dead in an ambush at the Mabul Water Bungalows Resort, while Constable Zakia Aleip was kidnapped by gunmen dressed in military fatigues.
The Minister of Special Tasks said the efforts and approaches taken by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) and the police, including the 15-day curfew, was appropriate during these challenging times.
“LDP will give our strong support to the security forces,” he said.
Teo said it was not easy to implement the curfew in the six districts from Sandakan to Tawau due to the long coastline, and he realized the limitations of the security force.
Nonetheless, he is confident that the ESSCom and the appointment of Jalaludin, an experienced former marine officer as the new police commissioner, would assist in the government’s effort to curb criminal activities at sea.
Meanwhile, Teo said the presentation of Raya cakes to the security forces in Sabah was an annual programme initiated by LDP Women and Youth to show their appreciation and respect toward the security agencies, including the police, for their contributions.
“We realize that many police officers are not able to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with their families as they have to be on duty, so I hope that the cakes can boost their spirits,” he said.
He added that publicity of the presentation of cakes to security agencies could also raise awareness among the public on the contribution and effort of the police force in protecting the security in Sabah.
Also present were Deputy Police Commissioner DCP Dato’ Abdul Malek Hj Harun, LDP deputy president Senator Datuk Chin Su Phin, Youth leader Tsang Hieng Yee and Women leader Datin Shim Nyat Yun.