Bintulu: Democratic Action Party (DAP) Bintulu chairman Chiew Chang Yau has urged the Sarawak government and police to take the current public security issues seriously and implement more proactive and effective measures to safeguard the people’s well-being.
Chiew said that public safety in Sarawak has become an increasing concern in recent years, with incidents escalating from petty theft and vehicle theft to robberies and serious criminal cases.
“Many residents have lamented that this once peaceful and safe homeland is gradually changing. Sarawak has long been known for its friendly, harmonious, and low-crime communities, but recent developments have made citizens uneasy.
“Additionally, residents have become increasingly vigilant in their neighborhoods, unable to sleep peacefully at night upon hearing strange noises. These are no longer isolated incidents but growingly common occurrences,” he said in a statement today.
He highlighted that good public security is the foundation for sustainable social development. Without a sense of safety, residents will not only be unable to live and work with peace of mind, but investors may also be discouraged, affecting growth in education, commerce, and culture.
As such, he called on the Sarawak government to adopt a more serious and systematic approach to addressing public safety issues. He said the government should work closely with the police to improve law enforcement efficiency, strengthen community patrols, accelerate the coverage of public surveillance systems, and enhance communication mechanisms with local communities.
“We understand the immense pressure and challenges faced by the police in maintaining law and order, and we appreciate their efforts.
“However, when security incidents continue to occur and the people’s sense of safety is eroded, this is no longer a problem for the police alone — it is a responsibility that must be shouldered by both the Sarawak state and federal governments,” he stressed.
Chiew also encouraged the police to collaborate more actively with civil society organizations, such as setting up crime hotlines, organizing security awareness talks, and promoting self-protection education.
“Therefore, citizens are not passively waiting for protection but can actively participate in safeguarding their communities.
“Most importantly, the government and police must demonstrate a transparent, proactive, and accountable attitude. Every case that garners public attention must be responded to clearly and thoroughly; failure to do so would only deepen public mistrust in the security system,” he added.
In concluding his remarks, Chiew reiterated that he was not making unwarranted assumptions about individual cases but reflecting the people’s deep yearning for basic personal safety.
“I urge the Sarawak government and all relevant agencies to pay serious attention to public security, heed the voice of the people, stay on high alert, and take decisive, effective action to ensure Sarawak remains a safe and livable place where people can settle and thrive with peace of mind,” he said.
