‘Work closely with cops to ensure safety of neighbourhoods’
SIBU: Neighbourhood security is a joint responsibility of every resident.
In highlighting this, Sibu Division Unity Department officer Siti Nurfatimah Hussen says it is not right to place such responsibi lity solely on the relevant authorities such as the police.
“Instead, we (residents) should work closely with the police and all other related government agencie s i n mai nt a i n i ng peace and harmony in our neighbourhoods.
“This is where the Voluntary Patrol Scheme ( SRS) members play their vital role in patrolling the neighbourhoods, particularly during night time, in making sure that our homes are safe from any form of crimes or ill activities,” she said at a ‘Community Grant Programme’ conducted by Kampung Usahajaya Baru Phase 2 Neighbourhood Unit, led by its chairman Jajol Bajaw, recently.
The grant from the Unity Department is meant to be fully utilised by the neighbourhood unit for various purposes such as clean-up and maintenance works in the neighbourhood.
Adding on, Siti Nurfatimah said it was crucial for every member of a neighbourhood to be able to sleep at night, with peace of mind.
“There is a perception in our society that we should never feel totally safe. The good thing about such perception is that it instils greater level of awareness to always be on the alert, as far as our safety is concerned,” she said.
Siti Nurfatimah also pointed out that the neighbourhood units played a key role in disseminating information from the government to the communit ies on the ground.
The prog ramme l i s t for the event also covered a talk on cr ime prevent ion and ‘ Volunteer Smartphone Patrol’ – both conducted by the acting head of Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department of Sibu District police headquarters, ASP Kushairy Bujang – as well as a health screening, colouring contest on anti- drug campaign topics, lucky draws, and also health talks on dengue and rabies.