ACP Mun Kock Keong
KUCHING: Perimeter security railings will soon be set up along known crime ‘hotspots’ in the city in a bid to tackle incidents of snatch theft and street robbery.
District police chief ACP Mun Kock Keong said the police, together with the three local councils, plan to have the railings erected by July this year at the earliest.
“Officers from the Home Ministry came here to inspect the plans (for the railings) last month, and most of the recommended areas of implementation were approved.
“Among the places approved are the Kuching Waterfront, Jalan Green Hill, Jalan Mathies, Batu Kawah New Township, Mile 10 Kota Padawan and certain areas in Matang,” said Mun during a press conference yesterday.
He added the railings were meant to ‘make it difficult’ for would-be offenders to strike, and that priority would be given to areas frequented by foreign visitors.
He revealed the railing plan was one of four strategies set out under the Safe City Programme, with the others being the ‘lighting up’ of dark areas, the trimming of trees and shrubs to reduce hiding spots for potential criminals, and the setting up of security mirrors at ‘blind spots’ along street corners.
Should the budget for the plan be approved, the Kuching City South Council and the Kuching City North Commission will receive RM1.5 million each, while Padawan Municipal Council is slated to receive half a million ringgit, to implement the railings.
Even if the plan is implemented, Mun cautioned the public that they are largely responsible for their personal security, and should always remember to take precautions so as not to make themselves easy prey for criminals.
On a separate issue, the district police chief also advised members of the public not to participate in street gatherings or picketing which did not have prior approval from the police.
He said this following what he described as information received by the police that ‘certain groups’ were intent on holding demonstrations in the city, although he was quick to add that the reliability of the information was not known.
“This is just a general advice to the public to avoid such events as they would be violating Section 27(8) of the Police Act, which carries with it a fine of not less that RM2,000 and not exceeding RM10,000, and a one year prison sentence,” said Mun.
“Sarawak is a peaceful state, and the police want to make sure that no one disturbs the peaceful lifestyle of the people here.”