Over 450 cops on duty to keep roads, homes safe during Raya period in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: A total of 460 policemen would be deployed to keep the traffic smooth and for crime prevention duties during the coming long Hari Raya weekend in Sabah.

Acting State Police Commissioner Deputy Comm Datuk Jauteh Dikun said Ops Selamat 20, themed "safe homes, arrive safely at your destinations" will begin on Thursday (April 20) to April 27.

He said police and personnel from the state police contingent’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department would be mobilised for the duration, adding they would be assisted by colleagues from other police departments.

"The (primary) objective of the operation is to make it easier and safer for road users to reach their destinations," he said, when met after kicking-off the Op Selamat 20 at Jalan Tuaran bypass near here on Wednesday night (April 19).

"For the whole of Sabah, there will be 460 policemen involved in the operation, with some 80 to 100 of them with the rank of officers to monitor the situation.

"These officers and personnel will focus on locations that have traffic congestion," he added.

Also present at the kick-off were Kota Kinabalu deputy OCPD Supt Kalsom Idris and Sabah Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Supt Rosdi Mat Jusoh.

DCP Jauteh said they have identified several stretches that were usually congested as well as other areas that could potentially contribute to a traffic crawl.

Towards this end, he advised the public to prepare physically and mentally, especially those with a long drive back home.

Meanwhile, those leaving their homes to take advantage of the long break should also inform nearby police stations of their absence, he added.

"Besides monitoring the traffic situation, police from other branches will also make rounds at housing areas, especially at locations where many have gone away from their homes (for Raya)," he said.