Pujut rep criticises decision to close police station gates after 10pm

Adam Yii (file photo)

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 10: The recent announcement by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail that the gates of police stations nationwide will be closed after 10pm lacks consideration and may cause public panic or unease, says Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii.

Yii claimed that Saifuddin’s remark and the practice of closing police station gates created an impression among the public that the Malaysian police are weak in the face of criminal threats, and may even lead to the perception that the police are “compromising with criminals”.

He expressed concerns that this could lead to a decline in public trust in the police and pose concerns for social security, especially when police stations are places where the public seeks safety and assistance.

“Although the Home Ministry and the Inspector-General of Police have clarified that closing the gates after 10pm does not mean the police stations are completely closed, and the public can still seek help as usual, this measure only applies to police stations in remote areas and suburbs with only two officers on duty.

“However, the Home Minister’s initial remarks have already caused significant public anxiety and even raised concerns among tourists from neighbouring countries about the future security of our country,” he said in a statement today.

Yii held that closing the gates of police stations after 10pm cannot permanently resolve the safety risks faced by police stations, and there is no pattern indicating that attacks on police stations only occur after 10pm.

He said this approach merely addresses the symptoms derived from the Ulu Tiram police station attack on May 17, rather than the root cause.

“If there are attacks on police stations during the day, will the gates remain locked 24/7?” he questioned.

He viewed that only the increase of manpower at police stations in remote areas and the suburbs can avoid such security risks, ensuring the safety and efficiency of officers.

Yii also suggested the strengthening of training among officers to improve their overall quality as well as enhance crisis awareness and emergency handling capabilities. — DayakDaily