IGP: Marine cops will work with Indonesia to protect Sabah waters

MALACCA: Marine police will cooperate with their Indonesian counterparts to safeguard waters off Sabah and prevent transborder crime and kidnappings.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said this was after the Indonesian police helped rescue a Malaysian, who was snatched from her home in Johor last month.

“Yesterday (Saturday), I discussed security issues with Indonesia’s police chief Tito Karnavian, in particular the safeguarding of areas near Sabah’s east coast.

“We have agreed to have a close cooperation to ensure safety in Sabah’s coast, especially Lahad Datu and Tawau, as well as the borders of Nunukan and Tarakan in Indonesia,” he said during the Home Ministry open day at the ministry’s complex in Ayer Keroh here yesterday.

Present were Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, ministry secretary-general Datuk Alwi Ibrahim and Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.

Khalid said the cooperation also aimed to eliminate cross-border crime, including drug smuggling.

On Feb 21, a housewife was kidnapped from her home in Bandar Putra Kulai at 3.30am.

The victim was taken to Batam in Indonesia by the abductors, where she was held captive in a farm before she was rescued and brought home on March 19.

Commenting on the alleged rape case by an Immigration officer, Zahid said the ministry would not protect officers who abused their power.

“We will not make way for any (officer) who abuses his power, commits a breach of trust or commits a crime while on duty.

“We want to create a positive perception, which is why we will take action and will never protect any officer (who abused his power).”