Police homing in on crime rate
By Azlan Othman

OCPD of Musra Police District Supt Pg. Kamaluddin (seond left) during the dialogue with village chiefs and leaders of Mukim Mentiri.

Police have narrowed down their district administration in a bid to ensure that an area can be monitored effectively for swift action by division into smaller zones, officer-in-charge of the Muara Police District (OCPD) said yesterday. OCPD Supt Pg. Kamaluddin said previously there were four police districts but now, there are now seven and each with its own Commander-in-Charge.

However, the important factor is to acquire adequate and latest logistics and adequate staff. "We admit that the police are lacking in such areas. However efforts are being made to strengthen the force," he said at a dialogue with village chiefs and leaders of Mukim Mentiri yesterday.

Speaking on the spate of crime, Supt Pg. Kamaluddin said cases involving break-in and theft which occurred in the area under his jurisdiction since January till yesterday was only six cases, as compared to other police districts.

"This is under control compared to other police districts," he said, citing that the nearest police district to Muara recorded 183 cases. However, he said crime prevention could not be achieved without the assistance of the village residents. He reiterated the recent Titah by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during the Israk Mikraj celebration, in which His Majesty said that "Brunei is a lawful country and to show that we are serious about this, we should be firm until people know that Brunei is not an easy passage for criminals."

Supt Kamaluddin reminded the public not to leave their cars unattended to when going to the ATM , shop and not to leave ladders, rope, screw-driver or any tools in an unsecured place that could assist criminals to break in. He also said that the police will continue to mount road blocks and joint operations.

Meanwhile, on the Muara area which accommodates several garment factories which employs thousands of foreign workers, the police reminded the workers not to carry extra passengers on their bicycles, an offence carrying a compound fine of $50 under the Road Act.

This was highlighted at their recent dialogue with the garment factory managers. Workers were also urged not to ride their bicycles in the opposite direction, to install front lights and reflectors, as well as not using car parking space in Muara town.

Foreign workers were also cautioned against close proximity and indecent acts at an empty space along Jln Perusahaan Muara and Serasa beach. Police also noted that some workers were found loafing along roads, around shops and streets that can prove worrisome to pedestrians and shoppers. The presence of pirate taxis which ferry workers especially women to Muara town, was also highlighted as it could make them vulnerable to undesirable elements. Street vendors outside factories were also cautioned.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin