Inefficient registration allows criminals to evade arrest
KOTA KINABALU: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) treasurer general Chin Kiang Ming has urged the government to take effective measures to beef up security in the state capital, as well as to expedite the implementation of a registration system for foreigners in Sabah.
He said the busy and crowded commercial area in the city centre has become a target for criminals, notably the robbery and assault on a bank employee in a back alley recently.
He said the lack of police force and closed-circuit televisions (CCTV) have made it easier for perpetrators to flee, while the inefficient registration system allows the criminals to evade capture and forge a fake identity.
Chin said the shortcomings in registration system made it difficult for enforcement agencies to investigate and track down criminals, whereby criminals can easily assume a fake identity to avoid being caught.
“This not only undermines the enforcement agencies’ effort to eradicate crimes, but has also become a security threat in the society.”
He stressed the need to beef up the police force, not only by upgrading existing police gear, but also improve the professionalism of officers through systematic training.
He said the police should intensify patrol especially at busy and crowded commercial areas to reduce the incidence of crimes.
In addition, Chin said the police should also improve their response time in emergency situations to better protect the lives and properties of Kota Kinabalu folks.
From the perspective of Sabah’s social structure, he said the registration system of illegal immigrants (PTI) is a hot subject in politics.
He said the plan was originally proposed by the previous government but has yet to be implemented.
“The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) now wishes to implement the proposal but is met with strong rejection from the opposition parties.”
He said Sabah will have a better management and control measure if the government develops an integrated system to filter and register PTI.
He said having biometric data on foreigners and their children will enhance their identification.
“At present, many have lived in Sabah for generations and the government lacks a clear measure to effectively manage them.
“Hence, there is a pressing need to implement a registration system to address these issues.”
With the management system in place, Chin said the government will be able to accurately identify and register PTI and their children, thereby creating a safer environment.
“This will prevent PTI from abusing our resources and reduce illegal activities.”
He said the PTI issue in Sabah does not only affect the state economically, but also our security.
“Hence, the registration of illegal immigrants is a necessary step to protect the safety of future Sabahans.”
He also suggested to the government to allow illegal foreigners who are legally registered to work.
“This will not only help alleviate the labour shortage in Sabah, but also reduce the dependency of foreign labourers and related fees.
“By absorbing these group of people into the legal workforce, the government will be able to better manage labour resources and in turn promote economic growth.”
At the same time, he said the government is responsible to provide basic education to PTI to enable them to assimilate into the society and gain useful skills.
“This will not only reduce the burden of the society by reducing the number of non-skilled workers, but also minimize crimes involving PTIs.”
Chin warned that the issue of robbery involving PTI will evolve into a more serious and complex issue that will threaten the younger generation of Sabah in the next 20 years if the government fail to take the problem seriously.
“Non-action will cause criminal activities to spread and affect the peace and stability in our society.”
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our future generations, the government must take effective measures and implement a registration system for PTI.
“This is the only way forward to a safe and prosperous future for Sabah and to prevent an escalating social issue.”
Parti Warisan Vice President Datuk Junz Wong also expressed deep concern over the escalating crime rate, questioning the fate of the city’s once peaceful reputation.
He said Kota Kinabalu is now facing a disturbing rise in criminal activities, raising serious safety concerns among its residents and tourists.
“A series of daylight robberies in the city centre, particularly in Gaya Street, has sparked fear among city folks.
“These incidents, occurring in broad daylight in a busy area frequented by working individuals and tourists, have marked the city centre as a red zone for crime,” he said in a statement on Friday.
Wong said a series of robberies earlier this year targeting tourists had gained viral attention on the Chinese social media platform Xiao Hong Shu, significantly tarnishing the Kota Kinabalu’s image as a safe tourist destination.
The majority of these crimes are allegedly committed by illegal immigrants, highlighting a pressing issue in the heart of the city.
Wong emphasizes the need for immediate and preventive action by the authorities. He advocates for constant patrols, both on foot and by vehicle, around the city.
“The police force is urged to intensify efforts to apprehend suspected illegal immigrants lacking proper documentation, to restore peace and order and safeguard the city’s tourism industry.
“In addition to robberies, there has been an increase in house break-ins throughout KK, with neighborhoods like Kingfisher, Taman Green View and Taman Grand Millennium being particularly affected.
“Most break-ins occur during daylight hours when residents are typically away at work. This rise in home invasions is believed to be partly due to the economic challenges faced by the populace, leading to an increase in crime rates,” he said.
Wong calls upon the relevant authorities to enhance their patrolling efforts, even during daylight.
He also advised residents to remain vigilant and recommended to install basic home security systems as a measure against burglary.
This surge in criminal activities has ignited a sense of urgency among the authorities and the citizens.
Wong’s call to action underscores the need for a collaborative effort to reinstate the safety and security that KK City was once celebrated for.