Good deeds go a long way: 16 civilians recognised at 219th Police Day in Kuching

KUCHING (March 26): The 219th Police Day celebration for the Kuching district police here yesterday highlighted how good deeds can go a long way, as 16 civilians received Certificates of Appreciation for assisting the police.

The certificates were presented by Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu during the event held at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, Jalan Simpang Tiga here.

The recognition formed part of a ceremony that saw a total of 89 recipients honoured across several categories, including police officers, community leaders, media, and members of the public.

Among the civilians recognised was Ruth Victoria Ho Siew Ing, who returned RM3,392.30 that she found near Everrise Padungan on Feb 20.

When recounting the incident, she said she initially thought the money was rubbish lying on the ground.

“After buying some items at Everrise Padungan, I was walking back to my office when I saw something that looked like trash. Then I noticed a RM50 note shining, so I looked closer and realised there was quite a lot of money,” she told reporters when met.

Ruth said she then brought the money back to her office and informed her colleagues before lodging a report at a nearby police station.

She admitted feeling anxious and shocked when she realised the amount involved.

“I felt nervous because the person who lost the money would surely be looking for it, perhaps to pay for something important,” she said.

Ruth said her upbringing guided her decision to return the money.

“We were taught by our elders, our family and in school that if something does not belong to us, we should return it,” she said.

Although she briefly worried about being misunderstood due to the presence of CCTV cameras near her workplace, she said doing the right thing was more important.

She added that she was surprised but grateful to receive the certificate of appreciation.

“I did not expect to receive this certificate. I am very happy,” she said.

Ruth also urged the public to remain honest in their actions.

“I hope everyone will always be honest. If it is not ours, it does not belong to us. As long as we still have hands and legs, we can work to earn what we need,” she said.

Another recipient, Lisna Listiawati, president of Debelo Bikers Community Borneo, was recognised for assisting in locating a missing person last year.

She said the group was contacted by the police to help trace the individual, who was believed to be in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

“At that time, the police contacted us for help. The missing person was believed to be in Pontianak,” she said.

Lisna said their network of contacts, including police officers in Indonesia, helped locate the missing individual quickly.

“Because we have friends among the police in Indonesia, we contacted them while coordinating with the police here. Within two hours, we managed to trace the missing person in Pontianak,” she said.

She said the missing individual, an adult woman, was eventually reunited with her family after authorities established contact.

“The police managed to contact the missing person and informed her family. The following day she was brought home,” she said.

Lisna said she felt proud to receive the recognition for the assistance rendered.

“I feel proud to be able to help the police,” she said.

During the event, Alexson also delivered a message from Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail in conjunction with the 219th Police Day celebration.

In the message, Mohd Khalid said the theme “Polis dan Masyarakat Berpisah Tiada” reflects the close relationship between the police and the community in safeguarding peace and security.

He added that the police force remains committed to upholding integrity and carrying out its duties in accordance with the law and established standard operating procedures.

Also present was Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How.