‘Consensual’ rape cases a cause for concern
KENINGAU: District police chief Deputy Superintendent Douglas Nyeging Taong described a drastic increase in rape cases in this district as a cause for concern which needs to be dealt with seriously by all parties.
He said the present situation was worrying as they involved underage youngsters, especially school students.
“In the first three months this year a total of seven cases of rape were reported, compared to only four cases in the same period last year,” he told reporters after a parade to celebrate the 208th Police Day at the district police headquarters here yesterday.
He said this represented an increase of three cases, and what was very sad was that the cases were consensual.
Douglas said there were also students aged 14-15 involved in drinking which led to rape.
“An approach by the police to tackle this problem is to provide motivational programs in schools throughout the district including, Tambunan, Nabawan and Sook.
“This case is serious at the moment and we need to combat it together, not only the police but also the community.
“I invite all parties to come together in community policing programs in our efforts to address this problem,” he said.
Douglas also asked the media to help create awareness among parents the need for them not to let their children out of the house, or back late or go out with strangers.
Earlier in his speech after delivering a message from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Douglas said security in this area, including Tambunan, Nabawan, Sook and Pagalungan Pensiangan, was guaranteed.
However, he said as the law enforcement agency of the country, the police force was always on standby to meet any eventualities.
“With regard to the current crime in Keningau, I like to explain that during the first three months of this year, there were 30 cases being reported compared with 36 cases in the same period last year. This means a total of six cases were reduced, equivalent to 16 .66 per cent this year.
“Of the 30 reported cases, 14 cases or 46.66 per cent of the cases were successfully solved. And we have reached the KPIs,” he said.
Douglas added in the fight against crime in this area, Nabawan, Tambunan and Sook including Pagalungan Pensiangan, the police had implemented a 371 different types of operations with a total of 1,968 people being checked and 71 people arrested in connection with various offenses.
“For cases involving drug abuse, the police have worked to combat drug abuse in the community, especially among our youth.
“In the first three months of this year, the police have also arrested 133 drug offenders, compared to only 90 in the same period last year,” he said.
According to him, cases involving traffic offences had also increased, particularly involving fatalities.
And one of the causes of these accidents was because the drivers were under the influence of alcohol.
“While the f ight against illegal immigrants is a national problem, during the first three months of this year 181 people were checked where 27 people were arrested for not having valid documents in Keningau, Nabawan, Tambunan and Sook.
Douglas said to assure security and public order were maintained, the police needed 100 per cent support from all the parties, and the police promised to work hard to defend the existing sovereignty, security and public order.
Present at the ceremony were Assistant Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Bobbey Ahfang Suan, Keningau District Officer Haji Yusop Haji Osman, Tambunan District Off icer Thomas Lojigin and Nabawan District Off icer Fredian Gan En Siong.