Abdul Rashid flagging off Ops Selamat.
PENAMPANG: The public are once again advised not to listen to unverified information following allegations that security forces have mobilised their units in an operation to track down militants and terrorists groups that purportedly threaten the security of the state which went viral in the social media since Monday.
Sabah Police Commissioner, Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun, however, did not deny the presence of police personnel in the state capital as it is the normal standard of operation (SOP) in crime prevention.
“Do not easily believe in rumours or unverified information, especially in the social media. The presence of the police is the normal SOP on crime prevention. We continue to monitor and update the public if there are any threats on public safety,” he said after launching ‘Ops Selamat’ in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration at Buhavan Square in Donggongon, here yesterday.
Abdul Rashid said this when asked to comment on rumours that Islamic State (IS) militants were planning an attack at several public places in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Lahad Datu.
The message, which went viral in the social media, Facebook and WhatsApp, also urged the public to stay away from restaurants, hotels, shopping malls and resorts as these places would be targeted by the terrorists.
Abdul Rashid urged those who spread the rumours to stop immediately as it would only cause public panic.
“I strongly urge those who continue to spread these rumours to stop it immediately or we will take action.
“I also urge the public not to panic but to check with the police and relevant authorities first for confirmation,” he said.
During the event yesterday, Abdul Rashid said that the police would monitor some 30 accident prone areas that have been identified during the coming Chinese New Year celebration.
Among the measures taken are to increase road block operations at hot-spots or accident prone areas, he said.
Some of the accident-prone roads identified are the Tuaran Bypass, Lintas Road, Lok Kawi-Papar Road, Kimanis-Keningau Road and Papar-Beaufort Road.
Abdul Rashid also reminded those who are planning to ‘balik kampung’ to plan their journey properly to avoid unnecessary incidents.
“Check and ensure your vehicle is in good condition, make sure your house is securely locked and inform your neighbors of the duration you will be away. Also do inform the police so that we can arrange to patrol the area while you are away.
“This is to ensure that you will have a peace of mind during your holiday with friends and family,” he said.
Also present at the event yesterday were deputy Commissioner of Police Datuk Awang Sahari Em Hadzeer, Penampang police chief, DSP Rosley Hodben, and Sabah Road Safety Department director, Herdianshah Abdul Karim.