KUCHING: Police will further intensify enforcement operations in 2026, particularly against drug-related crimes and organised criminal activities, following a sharp increase in cases recorded last year.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said enforcement efforts would be stepped up statewide, with several groups already identified and placed under investigation, including for action under the Security Measures (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).
“There has been a very significant increase compared to 2024, and this year we will continue to intensify our efforts to curb the drug problem,” he told reporters after officiating at the the Sarawak Police Contingent (IPK) monthly assembly at the IPK Sarawak Parade Ground here today.
He added that investigations were not limited to drug activities alone, as police had also identified other illegal activities linked to organised groups.
Responding to questions on the existence of major syndicates, Mohamad Zainal confirmed that large syndicate groups were still operating in Sarawak but stressed that they remained under active investigation.
“Yes, they are within our knowledge and are still under investigation and action,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Mohamad Zainal said the Sarawak Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) recorded 13,198 arrests in 2025, an increase of 27 per cent compared to 10,396 arrests in 2024.
“Of the total arrests, 644 involved drug traffickers, 2,415 for possession and 10,139 drug users.
“Drug seizures last year were valued at RM32.2 million, slightly lower than RM34 million in 2024, which he attributed to the successful prosecution of more traffickers under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952,” he said.
He said police action against hardcore drug addicts under Section 39C of the same Act involved 293 individuals, while asset forfeiture efforts saw a significant increase, with RM17.9 million seized in 2025 compared to RM4.1 million the previous year.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Zainal said the overall index crime in Sarawak declined by eight per cent or 390 cases in 2025, reflecting the effectiveness of enforcement strategies, technological use and community cooperation.
However, he noted that violent crime recorded a slight increase of two per cent, mainly due to a 21 per cent rise in rape cases, while car theft cases rose by 12 per cent across 10 districts. Housebreaking and theft cases were also reported to have increased in 17 districts.
To address these concerns, he said PDRM Sarawak would strengthen patrols, expand crime prevention programmes and enhance public awareness initiatives.
On commercial crime, Mohamad Zainal highlighted the arrest of four suspects, including Bank Simpanan Nasional staff, in connection with a non-existent investment scheme known as “BSN Takaful Makmur”, which has resulted in losses amounting to RM14.34 million from 100 police reports lodged.
He reaffirmed PDRM Sarawak’s commitment to maintaining security and public confidence, stressing that integrity, professionalism and zero tolerance for corruption remained the core principles guiding the force in 2026.
