KUALA LUMPUR: Let the police know if you are going to be away from home during this festive season.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said houseowners who are returning to their hometowns this Hari Raya Aidilfitri or going on vacation should notify the police so that they can conduct regular patrols around their homes.
Houseowners could inform their nearest police station or through the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) app, he said.
“This is not only for those who are celebrating Aidilfitri; non-Muslims are also encouraged to do so,” he told reporters at the Police Training Centre here yesterday.
Speaking on the latest iteration of Ops Selamat, which began yesterday, Razarudin said the focus was on reducing accidents and ensuring smooth traffic flow.
“We are maintaining our approach of total enforcement and delivery service as per previous years.
“What is important to me is that our focus during this campaign is on educating,” he said, emphasising good driving behaviour.
He added that about 5,000 policemen have been deployed for Ops Selamat.
This year’s road safety operation in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri is scheduled to end on April 13.
Razarudin was also asked to comment on a video of car drivers making illegal U-turns on the Raub bypass along the Central Spine Road due to congestion.
The IGP said that police were aware of the heavy traffic on that route.
“Yes, those doing the U-turn there shouldn’t have done so,” he said.
When asked whether action would be taken against those drivers in the video, he said that presently the police were leaning towards advising motorists.
“We do not want to look for offences, but rather ease the travels of everybody,” he said, adding that police are also monitoring hotspots and blackspots.
Earlier in the day, Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Comm Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri called it a day after a 38-year career.
The department’s deputy director Datuk Mohd Nasri Omar has again been appointed its acting director, after previously taking on that role in September 2023.
The IGP, when asked if candidates had been identified to take over as director, said prospective names would be discussed, including with the Home Minister.
“We will also discuss candidates for the Penang police chief post as well,” he said.
