KOTA KINABALU: Sandakan police have stepped up patrols and are deploying over 200 personnel to ensure peace and security in the district.
Sandakan district police chief Ahsmon Bajah said the operation involves 174 personnel and about 30 officers who will patrol key areas, manage traffic and prevent house break-ins as Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations approach.
He said police are ready to increase manpower if needed.
"We're focusing on two main areas – public safety and traffic management. We want to make sure everyone feels secure while celebrating," said Ahsmon on Thursday (March 27).
He urged residents planning to leave their homes during the holidays to notify police via the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) app, IPD Sandakan's Facebook page or its QR code.
"Once we receive the information, we'll include those homes in our patrol checklist," he said.
He reminded the public to plan their journeys carefully, even for short-distance travel within Sandakan and to use suitable routes to avoid congestion.
Ahsmon earlier officiated the IPD Sandakan-level Khatam Al-Quran and zakat distribution ceremony at Masjid Nur Aman on Thursday, held in conjunction with the 218th Police Day celebrations.
"This ceremony reminds us that our duty extends beyond enforcement. Faith and community are part of our identity as police officers," said Ahsmon.
