KUCHING: Rising cybercrime and the spread of synthetic drugs are part of increasingly complex crime trends that demand new strategies.
This is what Sarawak’s new Police Commissioner, Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah, has to say as he assumes command in the state.
Recognising that today’s security challenges are becoming more complex, he called on the need for immediate measures and effective strategies to curb emerging crime trends.
The 47-year-old, who previously served at Bukit Aman, said he was familiar with the situation in Sarawak and would work closely with his team to tackle the challenges.
“There has been an increase, particularly in cybercrime and narcotics.
“We shall hold discussions with the team, especially the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) and Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID), to devise strategies to address these growing challenges,” he told reporters today.
Zainal was speaking after the handover ceremony between outgoing Police Commissioner, Datuk Mancha Ata, and himself, witnessed by Bukit Aman Special Branch Director, Datuk Ibrahim Darus, at the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters (IPK).
He acknowledged that drug activities were no longer confined to heroin or morphine but had shifted towards a wide range of synthetic substances that are easier to obtain and more harmful to society.
“My experience in NCID has shown that synthetic drugs are becoming a major concern, not only in Sarawak and Malaysia, but across the world.
“Combating this requires strong cooperation between the police and the community. Public involvement is crucial to effectively curb drug abuse and, in turn, reduce related crime rates,” he said.
Zainal added that while cybercrime and synthetic drugs would be immediate priorities, the police would also remain alert to other criminal threats facing the state.
“My priority is to map out strategies to ensure these unhealthy trends do not continue, and at the very least, to reduce such crimes in Sarawak.”
