The Borneo Post

Police warn of stern action against traffic offenders during CNY period

- Jeremy Veno

The police will take stern action against any traffic offenders particular­ly during the upcoming Chinese New Year celebratio­n this weekend.

Sarawak Police Commission­er Dato Mancha Ata said human behaviour has been identified to be the leading cause of road and traffic accidents in the state.

“Among them is speeding, failing to follow the speed limit, and failing to abide by the traffic laws,” he told a press conference at the Sarawak police contingent headquarte­rs here yesterday.

Earlier, he graced this year’s Chinese New Year Ops Selamat which begins today until Feb 13.

Mancha also revealed that during the Chinese New Year period last year, police recorded a total of 521 cases of road accidents, up from 412 cases in 2022.

“This shows an increase of 109 cases or 26.5 per cent. Last year, we also recorded a total of seven fatal cases as compared to four fatal cases in 2022,” he added.

Mancha also informed that this year, the police have identified more than 100 accident hotspot locations throughout the state and will be deploying around 850 police personnel on the ground.

He added that these personnel will be stationed at accidentpr­one areas as well as along roads which are expected to see an increase in traffic.

“I would like to advise the public to always abide by the law and follow the instructio­ns of these police personnel who are on duty.”

Besides roads, the police will also be deploying personnel to oversee river and sea transporta­tions, he said.

“The focus of the Marine Police will be on areas where river transport is frequent and common such as in Sibu, Kapit, Song, Kanowit and Tatau,” he added.

To homeowners who will be leaving their homes una ended when returning to their hometowns, Mancha advised them to download and register themselves via the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) app.

He added that by registerin­g the period of their absence from home, police will be able to plan their patrols more effectivel­y which could reduce the number of house break-ins.

Besides informing the police via the VSP app, homeowners may also fill up a ‘balik kampung’ form at the nearest police station or via the PDRM official website.

Also present at the launch of the campaign were Sarawak Deputy Police Commission­er Datuk Ibrahim Darus, Road Transport Department Sarawak director Norizan Jili, and Social Security Organisati­on (Socso) Sarawak director Tan Phang Chia.

 ?? — Photo by Chimon Upon ?? Mancha, flanked by Ibrahim (left) and Norizan, helps a motorcycli­st put on a helmet during the launch of the Chinese New Year Ops Selamat campaign.
— Photo by Chimon Upon Mancha, flanked by Ibrahim (left) and Norizan, helps a motorcycli­st put on a helmet during the launch of the Chinese New Year Ops Selamat campaign.

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