Police Narrow Zones For Swift Action
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Police have narrowed down their district administration in a bid to ensure that an area can be monitored effectively for swift police action within the smaller zone, 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 scrutiny and 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.”

His Majesty also said that the neighbourhood watch must be streamlined for effective crime prevention.

Supt Kamaluddin once again reminded the public not to leave their cars unattended to when going to the ATM machine, shop and not to leave stairs, rope, screw driver or any tools in an unsecured place that could assist criminals to intrude their houses.

He also said that the police will continue to enhance programmes like conducting road blocks and joint operations with other enforcement agencies.

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

This was highlighted at the recent dialogue between the garment factory managers and police. The workers were also urged not to ride their bicycles in the opposite direction, to install front lights and red reflectors, as well as not to park their bicycles in car parking space in Muara town.

Foreign workers were also cautioned against being found to be in close proximity and involved in indecent acts at an empty space along Jln Perusahaan Muara and Serasa beach.

The police also noted that some foreign 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, were also highlighted and could be vulnerable to undesirable elements.

The presence of street vendors who operate outside the factory outlets were also mentioned, in which rubbish was being dumped indiscriminately. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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