Village Consultative Council meeting

By Achong Tanjong

Police showing pictures of how a ladder kept outside the house can lead to theft.

This was among the many issues highlighted by the representative of the Village Consultative Council during the meeting with Muara Police District and Penghulu and Kampung Ketuas of Mukims Serasa and Mentiri recently.

The meeting was chaired by Commanding Officer of Muara Police District, Supt. Pg. Kamaluddin. It aimed to foster close cooperation between Kampung Ketuas and Penghulu under the guidance of Muara Police to curb crime. The meeting took place at the Muara Police District Head Office in Muara recently.

According to the Penghulu, the animals not only damage the green plants of the affected house compound but also cause foul smells on the main roads as well as along the roadsides. They also disturb other belongings around the house areas.

In response to the question, the Commanding officer said, effort will be made to curb the problem of roaming animals. The police in cooperation with the Agricultural Department will monitor the situation. The problem is due to lack of "Kilong" or cages. But it will soon be overcome.

He urged Kampong Ketuas to inform their respective village's community especially owners of the roaming animals, before complaining to the authority concern.

According to Borneo Bulletin previous reports, wandering animals such as cows, cattle and buffaloes remain one of the biggest contributors to tragic accidents, despite moves to get them off the streets by the authority.

Much of the blame rests on their owners. Fingers are pointing at owners who still ignore the warnings that the animals are really a danger to drivers who are forced to come to a screeching halt whenever a bull or a cattle decides to take a walk on the wild side.

In an attempt to curb the danger, the Agricultural Department had intensified its activities to cage the roaming animals in 1998.

During the course of the year, the department has seized 269 roaming animals. Some of them returned to their recalcitrance owners and some were slaughtered and sold.

The owners are reminded that they are responsible for the welfare of their animals. The Agricultural Department with the cooperation of the Police has taken a firm stand with regards to the fact that the main roads of the country must be entirely free of these four-legged menaces.

The CID personnel at the meeting also highlighted the tools used by thieves. He reminded the village head to advise their respective village community not to leave their tools such as ladder and other tools equipment outside the house compound as this can lead to theft.

He also advised them not to leave their valuable belonging inside the car and not to leave the car engine running unattended, as these he said, can also lead to car theft.

At the meeting, the Penghulu and Kampung Ketuas, were also briefed on the roles and responsibilities of the Muara Police District and Marine Police.

Since January this year, the Muara Police District and Marine Police have been spread out. Each has its own Commanding Officer.

The Marine Police take responsibility for the safety on the water while the Muara Police District on land. But members of the public who need any assistant can contact the nearest police station, said Pg. Kamaluddin.