KAPIT: Former Kapit OCPD Superintendent Peter Umbuas said he was sad to bid goodbye to his men after leading them for only three months and three weeks.
Policewomen dressed as Cowgirls.
“I had expected to be here (as Kapit police chief) for two or three years, but orders from the higher ups is out.
“I have been appointed OCPD of Semporna police department,” he said he said at a farewell gathering themed ‘Cowboy and Cowgirl Night’ at Kapit Civic Centre on Sunday.
The event, organised by the Police Social Welfare and Recreational Club (Perkep), saw guests dressed in Western Cowboy and Cowgirl attires and gears.
Peter, who helmed IPD Kapit last June 16, said he had planned a lot of activities for IPD Kapit, but he wouldn’t be able to implement them now.
“I would have liked to emphasise on community policing, to make the presence of the police felt on the streets,” said Peter, who left here for Semporna yesterday.
Peter reminded all police personnel and civilians in the police force here to continue discharging their
duties with commitment and integrity.
“What you do or not do are closely watched by the public, so serve with commitment and integrity.
“Do not get involved in unhealthy activities that will jeopardise your career and police image.”
On crime rate, he said the number of crime cases recorded from Jan 1 to Oct 3 this year was about 20 cases fewer compared to the corresponding period last year.
Peter said Kapit was home to 65,725 people, but there were only 84 police personnel of various ranks and file.
“This is far below the required strength of 112, but this shortage of manpower should not be an excuse not to serve the people well.”
Peter is from Sungai Song in Song District. He joined the police force in 1982. Over the years, he had served the Field Force in Sabah and Sarawak, the CID branch in Sibu, and Narcotics Department in Limbang.
In 2004, he went for further studies and graduated with a law degree from the Islamic University in Selangor.
From 2008 till becoming OCPD Kapit, he was the Public Order and Traffic chief in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Meanwhile, organising chairman ASP Wilynton Enchana said although Peter only served barely four months, he had introduced a lot of activities here.
“His nickname is ‘Apai Transformasi IPD Kapit’ for making the workplace more conducive and lively. I have learnt a lot from him.”
Among the highlights of the gathering were ‘Tarian Jamilah’ competition, presentation of souvenirs by various departments to Peter, presentation of certificate to Perkep members, ‘Best Cowboy and Cowgirl’ competition, and lucky draws.