Cops vow to collar more in blitz

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12 gangsters, hardcore criminals picked up across Sarawak since last week under PCA — CP

Sabtu (right) presents an Outstanding Service Award to a recipient during the monthly parade.

KUCHING: State police commissioner Dato Sri Muhammad Sabtu Osman has promised more arrests under the Prevention of Crime Act (PCA) following the recent detention of gangsters and hardcore criminals throughout the state.

Speaking to reporters after leading a monthly parade at state police headquarters here yesterday, Sabtu revealed that since last week the police had already detained 12 suspects, including some gang leaders, under the Act.

“We have begun enforcing the PCA since it was extended to Sarawak in April, and have arrested 12 persons from all over the state for their involvement in gangsterism and violent crimes.

“Some are gang leaders, some are members. There will be more arrests to come, I promise,” he said, Sabtu stressed that those detained were not involved in illegal logging activities.

He said those arrested under the PCA will be remanded in local detention centres for an initial period of 21 days before a decision is made whether to extend the period for a further 38 days.

“Depending on the outcome of the investigation into the level of their involvement in criminal activities, the suspects will either be released after 21 days or detained for 38 more days.”

At the end of the 60-day detention, suspected criminals can be detained without trial for up to two years under the amended Act, which was gazetted in Parliament and extended to Sarawak and Sabah in April this year as part of preventive measures against hardcore criminals.

Previously, the police blitz against gangsters in the state was conducted via Ops Cantas Kenyalang in 2007, which saw alleged gang leaders and members detained under the now-repealed Emergency Ordinance (EO) and Restricted Residence Act (RRA).

On an unrelated matter, Sabtu also disclosed that the police were in the process of officially suspending a district CID chief, who was arrested recently under Ops Tukul by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) for allegedly receiving bribes from illegal loggers.

“We are now in the process of suspending him from active duty, and any officers who are arrested by MACC will face similar action,” he said.

On the crime rate in the state, he said the statistics showed an overall decline in crime with the exception of house breaking, which rose in most major districts except Kuching.

“I have instructed the affected district police chiefs to focus their attention in addressing the problem, especially as Christmas is just around the corner. We want to ensure the safety of houses whose owners who are celebrating away from home.”

He advised those who will be away during the period to notify their local police stations about their planned absence so that patrol personnel can be dispatched to monitor their houses.

“Of course, you must also take steps to protect your own homes by installing alarms or auto lights and not depend solely on the police,” he added.

Among those present during the monthly parade yesterday included deputy state police commissioner Dato Dr Chai Khin Chung, state CID chief Dato Zulkifli Hassan, as well as state Crime Prevention and Community Safety department chief SAC Burhanuddin Abdul Majid.