Public trust, strong community ties key to effective policing, says outgoing Sibu police chief

SIBU (Feb 12): Public trust and strong police–community relations remain the cornerstone of effective policing, said outgoing Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili at his final monthly assembly at the Sibu Police Headquarters (IPD Sibu) this morning.

Reflecting on his tenure since assuming office on April 18, 2022, Zulkipli stressed that policing is not merely about enforcing the law, but about upholding the public’s trust and serving as a symbol of justice within the community.

“Policing is not merely a job; it is a public trust,” he said, adding that every report received, investigation conducted and patrol carried out reflects the professionalism and integrity of the force.

He emphasised that the strength and credibility of the police depend largely on the confidence placed in them by the public.

Quoting the founder of modern policing, Sir Robert Peel, he said: “The police are the public and the public are the police.”

“This principle aligns with our own belief that the police and the community are inseparable. Without public trust, our authority will erode,” he added.

Zulkipli noted that throughout his leadership, he placed strong emphasis on improving the quality of service delivery and ensuring strict compliance with work procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“Discipline is not merely about following orders, but about cultivating a consistent and fair work culture.

“Integrity and discipline are shields that protect our dignity and the honour of the force,” he said, adding that crime prevention efforts in Sibu were not achieved by the police alone, but through close collaboration with other enforcement agencies, government departments and the community.

“Security is not the exclusive responsibility of the police. It is a collective responsibility. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” he said, highlighting the importance of information-sharing, integrated operations and community engagement programmes.

Zulkipli also expressed appreciation to the Sarawak government for its continued support in upgrading facilities at IPD Sibu, which he said has enhanced both operational capability and staff welfare.

Among the completed projects were the upgrading of the parade ground and internal roads costing RM998,500, completed in April 2024, as well as several Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) initiatives including the construction of a new kindergarten and facility upgrades.

He also acknowledged the installation of solar lighting at the IPD compound under an RTP project, describing it as a significant improvement in security and working conditions.

In his closing remarks, Zulkipli thanked officers, personnel, the media and various agencies for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.

“Continue to serve with integrity, uphold discipline, maintain team spirit and take good care of Sibu,” he said.

Zulkipli will be promoted to Senior Assistant Commissioner (SAC) and transferred to the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters in Kuching.

Present at the event were State Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang; deputy police chief Superintendent Boniface Bajai; IPD Sibu Police Family Association (Perkep) chairperson Dr Rabahyah Tahir; Sibu Division deputy resident Christopher Ranggau Unting; and community leader Temenggong Stanley Gramong Bandar.