KUCHING: Sarawak saw a nine per cent drop in crime index last year, recording 8,285 cases compared to 9,104 cases in 2013.
State Commissioner of Police Dato Sri Muhammad Sabtu Osman said the figure represented a drop of 819 cases from the previous year’s total.
“From the period of Jan 1 to 29 this year, we recorded 535 cases. This shows a 91-case difference compared to the 626 cases over the same period last year,” he added when speaking at a news conference after the monthly parade at the police headquarters at Jalan Badruddin here yesterday.
Sabtu reminded Sarawakians to steer clear of firecrackers and fireworks in view of the approaching Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb 19.
He said Malaysians had been prohibited from using these dangerous explosives since 1995, adding such regulation still stood regardless of festive seasons.
“This directive comes from the government, not the police. Any person who is found possessing, importing or supplying these explosives without licences will face penalties under Section 14(2) of the Explosives Act 1957.”
He added offenders, upon conviction, would be jailed five years or fined RM10,000 or both.
To date, he said the government had permitted the use of ‘Happy Boom’ and ‘Magic Pop’ which were not considered dangerous.
Those caught using firecrackers or fireworks would be penalised under Section 3(5) of the Minor Offences Act 1955 which provides for a jail term of one month or a fine of RM100 or both, he warned.
Sabtu pointed out a directive had been issued to ensure that there would be sufficient personnel during the festive celebration and to ensure that all Chinese police personnel and staff could enjoy the festive break. He added nearly 50 per cent of the police force in the state are Chinese.
“Our Ops Limau will last for a month from Jan 19 while Ops Selamat will be carried out between Feb 12 and 26 to ensure safety of those returning to their hometowns.”