Mazlan (front row, second right) flagging to symbolically launch the state-level 11th Ops Selamat 2017 yesterday. Also seen is Nor Hisham (front row right), Syafiq (front row third right) and Shukarmin (front row fourth right). — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Sarawak Commissioner of Police Datuk Mazlan Mansor wants road users to drive carefully and abide by traffic laws during the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration period.
According to him, human behaviour has been identified as the leading cause of accidents in the state, especially when people are rushing back to their hometown or village.
“When drivers do not abide by traffic laws, that would be a cause for problems,” he said during the launch of the state-level Ops Selamat 2017 in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri at Kuching Sentral yesterday.
The nationwide Ops Selamat 2017, he revealed, will be held from June 18 to July 2 and acts as a two-pronged effort by the police to minimise cases of road accidents and house break-ins.
“Prior to a long journey, the driver must plan his time and route to be mentally prepared and avoid from being in a rush,” he said.
Mazlan further added that the police will also be working closely with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) to minimise road accidents and fatalities during Ops Selamat 2017.
During a press conference after the official launch, he revealed that the respective district police chiefs in areas affected by the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway have been told to look out for any signs of traffic jams or road obstruction.
“The police will ensure that there will be a free-flow of traffic as well as no drivers who will try to jump the queue (at construction zones).”
On the other element of Ops Selamat 2017, Mazlan said home or property owners who are planning to leave their house or business premises should
inform their neighbours or police of their planned period of absence.
Home or property owners, he said, can fill up a ‘Balik Kampung’ form available at all police stations, or which can be downloaded from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) website.
In a separate matter, the state police are working with their Bukit Aman counterpart to record the statement of controversial blogger Papagomo, whose real name is Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris.
“So far we have received a total of 37 police reports against Papagomo and investigations are currently ongoing. It (investigations) will also take a bit of time,” said Mazlan.
Also present at the launch yesterday were State Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Aziz Yusof, Bomba state director Nor Hisham Mohammad, JPJ state director Syafiq Anas, Road Safety Department (JKJR) state director Davina Agness Entili, and Kuching Resident Shukarmin Chasemon.