250 Kuching police deployed for Op Selamat ahead of Hari Raya celebration

KUCHING (March 19): Approximately 250 police officers and personnel from all departments and police stations under Kuching district police headquarters (IPD Kuching) have been deployed for the 26th Op Selamat in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the operation aims to reduce road accidents in the district, enforce traffic laws and regulations, and educate road users on safety and responsibility.

“The operation also seeks to create a safe and comfortable environment by stationing personnel at identified accident-prone locations in Kuching, including Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce and Jalan Tun Jugah,” he told a press conference after launching the IPD Kuching-level Op Selamat at Petros Darul Hana MFS here.

The six-day operation runs from March 19 to 24, with round-the-clock monitoring teams tasked with traffic enforcement, congestion management, and assisting motorists.

“To ensure smoother traffic flow during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, movement restrictions on goods and heavy vehicles will be enforced on March 19 and 20, as well as March 28 and 29,” Alexson added.

In addition, Op Lancar is being implemented from March 18 to 20 and will continue on March 27 to help ease congestion.

Alexson noted that a comparison of statistics between Op Selamat 2024 and 2025 showed a decline in road accidents in Kuching, with cases dropping by seven or 7.29 per cent — from 96 cases in 2024 to 89 cases in 2025.

“No fatal accidents were recorded in both years, so we hope that the same outcome would be achieved this year too,” he added.

Alexson urged the public to cooperate with authorities by planning their journeys, adhering to traffic rules, and avoiding risky behaviour such as speeding, tailgating, and using mobile phones while driving.

“Those leaving their homes for the festive holidays are encouraged to inform the police through the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) application, by contacting the nearest police station, or via the PDRM online form,” Alexson said, noting that these measures aim to prevent house break-ins.

Ahead of the festive celebration, he also reminded the public that playing firecrackers after midnight is prohibited, warning that strict action can be taken under the Explosives Act 1957.

“Celebrants may play with firecrackers, but only before midnight.

“Offenders may be charged under Section 7 of the Explosives Act 1957, which carries a penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both,” he stressed.

Earlier, a total of 100 refreshment goodie bags, as well as 70 helmets and safety vests sponsored by Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Energy and Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), were distributed to motorcyclists at the petrol station.

Also present were SEDC Energy head of sales and operations Kathleen Kiew, SEDC Energy senior business development lead Kamlesh Asnani, and Sarawak Metro director of quality, safety, health, environment and traffic Captain (Rtd) Omar Husin.