KUCHING: Department heads, formation leaders and district police chiefs have been told to intensify intelligence gathering and enforcement to combat violent crimes, cybercrimes, drug syndicates and cross-border smuggling in the state.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said that there was a need to address sophisticated and evolving criminal tactics driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
“Criminals involved in gangsterism, drug syndicates, cybercrimes, and cross-border crimes are becoming increasingly daring and complex.
“We must use all available resources to create systematic and high-impact actions. As the country’s main enforcement agency, we can no longer sit back and wait for complaints before taking action.
“Everyone must be proactive, remain vigilant, and outsmart modern criminals by enhancing our skills and stay informed about emerging criminal trends and modus operandi,” he said during the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters’ (IPK) monthly assembly today.
Mancha added that there was no doubt that violent crimes involving elements of gangsterism, though infrequent, still occurred.
Recently, there had been cases involving use of weapons that caused serious injuries and deaths.
“Although the recorded cases are small, such cases instil fear and create negative perceptions of the police’s ability to handle these crimes.”
Meanwhile, drug trafficking syndicates had been exploiting scientific and technological advancements to evade detection and arrest.
“Our Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has urged that everyone in the force, especially the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), take decisive actions against these syndicates.
“Aside from drugs, cybercrimes are increasingly worrying with criminals being highly skilled in exploiting technology for merciless profit.
“E-commerce scams, non-existent loans, fake investments, bogus job offers and phone scams are causing significant financial losses,” he said while urging the force to outpace these tech-savvy criminals.
In addition, cross-border crimes such as smuggling of prohibited goods, commodities of controlled goods, and human trafficking, are also seen to attract more public attention.
Mancha added that although arrests and confiscations had increased, the General Operations Force (GOF), the Criminal Investigation Department, the Special Branch and border district police chiefs should intensify efforts to secure and tighten controls at main entry points and illegal routes along the border.
