Sarawak Latest News

The police will provide extra security in Batang Ai during the by-election.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Tan Sri Haji Ismail Haji Omar, stated this at a press conference held after the passing out ceremony at PULAPOL, Jalan Puncak Borneo yesterday.

“We are confident that we can fulfil our duty as the law enforcer and guarantee the safety of the people in exercising their right,” he said.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Tan Sri Haji Ismail Haji Omar (right) with the Commandant of PULAPOL Kuching, ACP Shah Gzali Khan Shadad at the press conference.

He said providing the security during a by-election was just a routine job for the police as for the responsibility was the same elsewhere, be it in Kedah, Perak or Sarawak.

On the need to increase in number of police personnel to maintain the security during the Batang Ai by-election, Ismail commented that the situation would be examined from time to time.

“Assistant Commissioner of Police in Sarawak had already drawn up a strategy to tackle the situation and Bukit Aman had a meeting with the Police Commissioners of the states involved in the by-elections,” he disclosed.

“Our concept is to make sure the peace is in order so that members of the public will be safe to do their everyday chores during the by-elections,” he added.

On other matter, the DIG disclosed that the police this year aimed to recruit 10,000 to the force, made up of 1,000 Inspectors with degree qualifications and 9,000 constables with SPM qualification.

He said the police were currently working on a plan to train sergeants who had diploma qualifications to assist in crime investigation, but the plan had not been approved yet by the cabinet.

On the plan to increase the force, the police have been setting up Divisional Basic Training Centre in every state to train more recruits.

“We have also increased the number of PULAPOL and the latest one in Langkawi will be operational in July,” said Ismail.