Clampdown on metal thefts

Kuching police are fully enforcing Second-Hand Dealers Act 1946 to keep tighter rein on second-hand goods dealers

KUCHING: The Second- Hand Dealers Act 1946 is now fully enforced here and is expected to help the police in curbing the illegal trade of stolen metal.

Kuching district police chief ACP Abang Ahmad Abang Julai said the Act would also help to prevent cable thefts.

“We have enforced it, 100 per cent now. They ( second- hand goods dealers) have applied (for the licence) and some have been approved.

“So we will start conducting checks and have operations. We urge the general public to cooperate with us,” he told reporters after the police monthly assembly yesterday.

Abang Ahmad said to date the district police headquarters have received 81 licence applications.

Of these, 54 were approved, seven rejected, and 20 are still pending a decision.

“This is for Kuching alone. For the whole of Sarawak, you have to get from the ( Sarawak police) headquarters,” he said.

On whether police would also monitor second- hand sales on the Internet, Abang Ahmad said they would do so if reports are lodged.

“We will take action for as long as there is evidence. If things are stolen, report to the police. If you keep on spreading that there are a lot of thefts but never made a police report, how would we have the knowledge?

“Provide us with the information to enable us to take action and have prevention programmes, if possible,” he added.

He said individuals with information about illegal secondhand trading could call 082-241133 or any police station.

“We will keep secret on the identity. We need the general public to give information to us,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Abang Ahmad also called on netizens in the state not to circulate baseless and slanderous statements online.

“When the information is not accurate or slanderous, do not start sharing because we do not want to create fear among the community.

“We have of ficers who are monitoring Internet activities and action will be taken against individuals who spread slanderous statements,” he added.

We have enforced it, 100 per cent now. They (secondhand goods dealers) have applied (for the licence) and some have been approved. So we will start conducting checks and have operations. We urge the general public to cooperate with us. ACP Abang Ahmad Abang Julai, Kuching District police chief