Steep drop in Lahad Datu crime rate
LAHAD DATU: Ninety-five individuals were awarded certificates of appreciation for helping the police in maintaining security and public order during the Police Day celebration held here yesterday.
Among them was Borneo Post reporter Azmie Lim.
In line with the theme this year, ‘Police and Society Stay Together’, Lahad Datu police chief ACP Hamzah Ahmad hopes the community will continue to work together in helping the police fight crime and bring harmony to society.
“In 2014 and 2015, we have achieved various successes which would not be possible without the community’s cooperation in providing information to us and the ongoing efforts of the police.
“With these efforts and cooperation from the community and the close collaboration with other agencies such as the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom), Immigration Department, Customs Department and others, we were able to face any challenges,” he said.
Hamzah, in his speech at the Lahad Datu 208th Police Day celebration, said for the period up to March 23, this year, the district police had recorded a decrease of 51 cases or 43.22 percent of the overall crime index compared to the same period in 2014.
He added that for the period up to March 23, 2015, 85 per cent of investigated cases have been brought to court as compared to 32.73 percent for the year 2014.
Four police stations under the administration of Lahad Datu police headquarters have also recorded decrease in crime cases.
“We have also achieved success in the narcotics division with arrests for supply or possession of drugs cases increasing by 38.8 per cent involving 50 people in 2014 compared to 36 in the previous year.
“For cases under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act, we have recorded a jump of 255.5 per cent with 32 arrests in 2014 compared to nine arrests in 2013.
The branch also detained 938 persons in 2014 compared to 680 in 2013 for drug abuse,” he said.
According to Hamzah, the narcotics division seized 14,602.76 grams of syabu in 2014 compared to only 1,275.81 grams in 2013, which is a drop of 1,044 per cent or 13,326.95 grams.
Meanwhile, only 148 cases of accidents were recorded from January to March this year compared to 213 cases for the same period last year.
The traffic division recorded a decrease of 31 per cent or 65 cases in accident cases.
“I hope these efforts will continue and all members of the Lahad Datu police headquarters will carry out their respective responsibilities with complete trustworthiness, dedication and integrity,” he added.
Also present during the celebrations were Ir. Rajesh Datuk Yusof, representative of the Lahad Datu assemblyman, Kamarudin Hamid, representative of the Tungku assemblyman and District Officer Iman Ali.