KUCHING: Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Awang Din Awang Gani yesterday officially took over the duties of Kuching district police chief.
His duties were handed over to him during a ceremony held at Kuching District police headquarters (IPD), Jln Simpang Tiga.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sarawak DCP Datuk Pahlawan Mohd Dzuraidi Ibrahim was at the ceremony.
Supt Ismail Mahmood who was acting district police chief since March 1, 2019 handed over the duties to Awang Din.
“I believe that ACP Awang Din will faithfully carry out the duties and responsibilities that were carried out by the previous chiefs,” Ismail said.
He was grateful for the chance to be the acting chief for a month and believed that he had satisfactorily carried out his duties and responsibilities in that capacity.
“I hope that everyone in Kuching would give their commitment and cooperation to our new district police chief as we unite to make our Kuching headquarters successful in combating crime,” he said.
On his part, Awang Din said that effective yesterday he would continue the work of the previous chief, ACP Ng Ah Lek.
“I congratulate Supt Ismail Mahmood and all ranking officers of IPD Kuching for having kept the peace and harmony.
“I hope that the cooperation given to Supt Ismail and the previous chiefs would also be given to me,” he said.
He then pointed out that the job of a police chief has a lot of challenges and responsibilities, but that no matter how heavy the burden, it can be lightened with cooperation from all officers.
“I asked that all the senior officers who have more experience in Kuching to assist me as the new chief,” he said.
In his speech, Pahlawan pointed out that Ismail, as acting district police chief for a month, had carried out his duties with dedication and excellence to ensure the peace and safety of the city.
“His services are very much appreciated even though he served only for a short period. I believe the experience would one day allow him to take on the role of Kuching district police chief or other parts of the state,” he said.
As for Awang Din who is a Sarawakian, Pahlawan said he has vast experience in the force, and now is the perfect time for him to proudly serve in his own state.
“I hope that the vision and mission of the force would not change and that it would continue to ensure peace and harmony in the state; to get rid of the community’s negative perceptions of the police chief.
“I appeal to all senior and rank and file officers to continue giving their support to ACP Awang Din as they did to Supt Ismail Mahmood,” he said.
