By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 13: The Sarawak government will top up allocations to upgrade the Tabuan Jaya Police Housing Complex, with a special focus on sprucing up officers’ bungalows, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced today.
While RM5 million has already been allocated for painting works at the complex, Abang Johari said additional funds will be provided to ensure the housing facilities are properly furnished and presentable.
“As I went around just now, I noticed the bungalows are not as presentable as the other parts of the complex.
“So, like putting on make-up, it is better to add more so that the whole place looks good and modern,” he told reporters during his work visit to the complex here today.
He added that the exact amount of additional allocation has yet to be determined, pending cost estimates from the relevant authorities.
At the event, Abang Johari also handed over four four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles to the Sarawak Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) to strengthen its logistics capability.
Earlier in his speech, he highlighted that the Sarawak government had previously extended similar assistance, including upgrading the Kuching District Police Headquarters at Jalan Simpang Tiga and supplying logistics and equipment for police operations such as Op Benteng during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We even supplied fast motorcycles for border enforcement in Lubok Antu (Sarawak) and Badau (West Kalimantan), and recently provided sniffer dogs, which are expensive but crucial for narcotics detection,” he said.
Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak is not taking over security matters, which remain under federal jurisdiction, but is complementing and assisting enforcement agencies where necessary.
“Under the law, coastal areas and rivers fall under State jurisdiction. That is why we set up the Sarawak Coast Guard to help police and security forces monitor our waters and fishing zones,” he explained.
He further underscored the need to invest in advanced technology for security, noting that conventional methods are no longer sufficient to counter modern threats.
“That is why Sarawak is also building a new airport in Miri, which will be more advanced and seamless, with detection technology similar to that used at Doha Airport in Qatar.
“With such facilities, we can better differentiate between ordinary passengers and those with ulterior motives, enhancing our security screening,” he asserted.
Also present were Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dato Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail; Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Bukit Aman NCID director Dato Hussein Omar Khan; Sarawak Commissioner of Police (CP) Dato Mancha Ata; and Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) director Abdul Wahab Rahim. — DayakDaily
