Security level around Bakun Dam raised

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ACP Salehuddin Mat Zaman

KUCHING: Security level around Bakun Dam in the interior area of Sarawak has been raised further with the stationing of a Marine Operations Force (MOF)  team in the dam area beginning this year.

Its Region Five Sarawak commander, ACP Salehuddin Mat Zaman said the team comprising an officer and six marine policemen was deployed to the dam area this month and would remain there for a certain period of time before being replaced by another team for rotational continuous monitoring.

He said the presence of a marine police team would boost security at the dam area which was being guarded by the auxiliary police.

“The security aspect cannot be taken lightly but always improved where an important national asset is located,” he told reporters after attending the Region Five MOF monthly assembly at its headquarters, here, today.

Salehuddin said the MOF team would assist in patrolling and monitoring the extensive dam area which was difficult to access via land route.

He thanked all the parties involved in ensuring security in the area including the management and security unit of the Bakun Dam and the Sarawak Rivers Board which had assisted a lot logistically by providing accommodation, temporary office and a pontoon to transfer the MOF assets.

Earlier, in his speech at the monthly assembly, Salehuddin said the Region Five MOF managed to tackle 565 crime cases which came under its jurisdiction compared to 421 cases in 2016.

He said he was proud of its good performance and achievements last year which met the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) set by their federal commander in Bukit Aman.

The assembly this morning also saw the presentation of 12 letters of appreciation to individuals including seven from the media, in assisting the MOF Region Five fulfill its agenda. – Bernama