MIRI: Sarawak police will set up a permanent base in Mulu National Park in an effort to step up security and deter crime at the world heritage site.
The move follows a directive from the state to improve the security situation at the park, which is home to the biggest cave chamber in the world.
The setting up of the police base in the park is timely.
Last Sunday, a gang fight broke out near the runway of Mulu Airport following a dispute between two groups of illegal bird's nest collectors.
Members of one of the gangs attacked the other group as they were about to board a Twin-Otter aircraft to Miri.
The 19-seater aircraft managed to take off despite the chaos, but the fight continued at the airport.
Police arrested 10 gang members following the incident and the suspects will be charged in court next week.
Miri OCPD Asst Comm Ambrose Chung said yesterday that the directive to establish a permanent police base in Mulu came from state police headquarters in Kuching.
“We have sent six police officers to be stationed at Mulu National Park as part of an effort to enhance security.
“Tan Sri Dr George Chan (Deputy Chief Minister and State Finance, Public Utilities and Industrial Development Minister) requested that the base be set up.
“The daily presence of policemen will help ensure peace and order at the park,” he added.
Over the past few years, many cases of illegal bird nest harvesting have been detected in Mulu.
There were also cases of smuggling of rare plants and flowers, especially orchids and herbs with potential medicinal properties.
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