KOTA KINABALU: Sabah police will step up cooperation with North Kalimantan Regional Police (Polda Kaltara) to tackle smuggling and cross-border crimes between Malaysia and Indonesia, particularly along the Sabah-Kalimantan border.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said a special meeting would be held soon to discuss key measures.
"This is part of our efforts to ensure that any criminal activities involving (Sabah and North Kalimantan) are dealt with effectively, through information exchanges," he said at a press conference following a courtesy visit by a Polda Kaltara delegation to state police headquarters in Kepayan on Monday (April 28).
The visiting delegation was led by Regional Police Chief Irjen Pol (Inspector-General of Police) Hary Sudwijanto.
Comm Jauteh said the special meeting, expected to take place in early June in Sabah, would involve several agencies.
"We will coordinate standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to cooperation, focusing on smuggling," he said.
This includes narcotics, human trafficking and the illegal transportation of prohibited goods, stretching from Sebatik to Long Pasia.
Comm Jauteh said Monday's visit was a reciprocal gesture following Sabah police visiting their Indonesian counterparts in February.
"The purpose is to foster goodwill and strengthen ties between our police forces.
"Through these reciprocal visits, we have not only strengthened our relationship but also enhanced cooperation in tackling cross-border issues, particularly smuggling," he said.
Hary Sudwijanto said the return visit aimed to boost collaboration, strengthen coordination, and build communication channels to address challenges currently affecting the border areas.
"We believe that security cannot be built in isolation. It requires synergy, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to address cross-border issues," he said.
He added that agreements would be formalised following the meetings, with a commitment to solving problems together and facing border challenges collectively.
