MIRI: A wanted drug offender was among 10 people arrested during a major crime prevention operation conducted across Miri ahead of the Gawai Dayak celebrations, as police intensified efforts to maintain public safety during the festive season.
The operation, involving 53 police personnel from the Miri District Police Headquarters (IPD), also resulted in 46 traffic summonses being issued for various offences, including driving without a licence, illegal vehicle modifications and expired road tax.
The arrests included five men and four women suspected of involvement in illegal gambling activities under the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953. Another man was detained after officers identified him as a wanted person under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
All suspects were taken to Miri Central Police Station for further investigation.
The overnight operation began at 11pm following a deployment briefing by Miri District Police Chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah at the Ruai Kenyalang Hall of IPD Miri.
Police teams were deployed across the district to carry out roadblocks, snap checks, mobile patrols and inspections of entertainment outlets as part of a coordinated strategy to deter criminal activity during the Gawai festive period.
At roadblocks set up at several locations, officers detected a range of traffic offences. Among the violations recorded were the use of non-compliant registration plates, modified exhaust systems, missing side mirrors, unauthorised structural modifications to vehicles and expired road tax.
Meanwhile, mobile patrol units and snap check teams conducted inspections in residential neighbourhoods, villages and along major roads under an omnipresence policing approach aimed at increasing police visibility and preventing opportunistic crime.
Police said the enhanced presence of officers in public areas was intended to reassure residents and visitors that security remained a priority during the holiday celebrations.
Entertainment outlets were also inspected during the operation, with urine screening tests conducted on individuals at selected premises.
ACP Mohd Farhan said similar operations would continue throughout the Gawai season and during other festive periods to strengthen crime prevention efforts and maintain public confidence in law enforcement.
“The objective is to suppress criminal activities while ensuring a visible police presence in areas frequented by the public,” he said.
Gawai Dayak, one of Sarawak’s most important annual celebrations, typically sees increased travel, social gatherings and public activities, prompting heightened security measures by enforcement agencies across the state.
Police have urged members of the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement authorities and to report any suspicious activities to help ensure a safe and peaceful festive season.
