MIRI: Police have stepped up their presence at key Ramadan bazaars across the city, carrying out a community policing programme and walkabout.
Their presence is aimed at strengthening public confidence while reinforcing crime prevention awareness during the fasting month.
The initiative, led by officers from the Miri district police headquarters (IPD Miri), was held at the popular Saberkas Ramadan bazaar and the Ramadan bazaar at the Miri Stadium precinct, both of which draw large crowds of traders and visitors each evening.
Senior officers and personnel moved through the crowded food stalls and walkways, engaging directly with traders and the public in an effort to build closer ties between law enforcement and the community.
Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the programme forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure that public safety remains a shared responsibility between authorities and residents, particularly during the busy Ramadan trading period.
During the walkabout, officers also issued reminders on common crimes that tend to surface in crowded public spaces.
These include pickpocketing, vehicle theft and scams targeting unsuspecting visitors.
Members of the public were urged to remain vigilant and to take practical precautions, such as safeguarding personal belongings and ensuring vehicles are properly secured when visiting the bazaars.
Police also encouraged traders and visitors to report suspicious activities or individuals to the authorities, stressing that timely information from the public can play a critical role in preventing crime.
Officials said community policing initiatives such as these provide an important platform for officers to engage directly with residents while reinforcing the message that maintaining public order requires cooperation from all parties.
The presence of uniformed officers at the bazaars was also intended to reassure the public that the police remain committed to safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of the community during Ramadan, a period when night markets and food bazaars attract significant crowds.
Following the community engagement programme, Mohd Farhan hosted a breaking-of-fast gathering with frontliners from IPD Miri at the compound of the Miri Indoor Stadium.
The event was held as a gesture of appreciation for officers and personnel who continue to carry out their duties throughout the fasting month.
Addressing the gathering, the district police chief reminded frontline personnel to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity in the course of their duties.
He also emphasised the importance of professionalism while operating in the field, noting that the conduct of police officers plays a key role in shaping public trust and confidence in the force.
