Shafie (front, left) and John (front, right) stick the campaign stickers on police motorcycles to mark the launch of Ops Selamat. Between the two is Jonathan. — Photo Chimon Upon
SERIAN: The 10-day road safety campaign run in conjunction with this year’s Gawai Dayak is still focusing on ensuring safety of properties and minimising road accidents.
State Commissioner of Police Datuk Mazlan Mansor said Ops Selamat, which kicked off yesterday, would still be carrying the theme ‘Rumah Selamat – Selamat Sampai Destinasi’ (Home Safe, Arrive At Your Destination Safely).
“The main objective of the campaign is to instil good moral values in road users so they can prioritise safety while driving.
It is also to provide and ensure comfort to road users and at the same time, help ease road congestion during the festive period.
“Another aspect is to ensure the safety of the properties and premises left unattended during the festive season – all of us want our homes to be safe and that there would be no criminal activities committed,” he said.
Mazlan’s text of speech was read by state police headquarters’ head of crime prevention and community safety SAC Shafie Ismail prior to the launch of the campaign at Mile 60 of Kuching-Serian road near here yesterday.
According to Mazlan, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) – among the key enforcement agencies in the country – would never take any safety and security issues for granted.
“The police will continue to function and play their roles in not only ensuring the safety of the community, but also the individual and public assets including the people’s houses left unattended during the festive holidays.”
On this, Mazlan said the force would utilise their resources from all departments, irrespective of whether they are from the state headquarters or district branches.
“We will run surveillance and patrols on housing areas and business districts during this festive period. Nevertheless, we police cannot do this alone – we also need help and cooperation from the public,” he said.
Mazlan listed out a number of precautionary steps and safety measures that members of the public could exercise such as informing their neighbours that they would not be around during the holidays.
“Those going back to their hometowns or villages must fill out the police notification forms at the police station nearest to them. Alternatively, they can do this online via PDRM official portal https://www.rmp.gov.my.
Bukit Semuja Assemblyman John Ilus and Serian Resident Jonathan Lugoh were also present at the ceremony.