RM150 mln approved for construction of new Kapit IPD

KAPIT (Nov 20): Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has announced the approval of RM150 million to construct the new Kapit police headquarters (IPD), set on a 18-hectare land opposite SK Kapit at Jalan Bletih here, about 4km from the present headquarters at Jalan Selirik.

This was highlighted to reporters during a session held at Rumah Rantai, a longhouse at Jalan Melekun-Mujong in Baleh, yesterday.

It was among one of the programmes under the itinerary of the minister’s official visit to Kapit and Song districts.

“Indeed, Kapit needs a new IPD. The existing building was built in 1980s. I have discussed with the IGP (Inspector General of Police) and agreed to the construction of a new police headquarters in Kapit, with RM150 million having been approved for this purpose.

“I have requested (Works Minister and Kapit MP) Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi and (Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department and Bukit Goram assemblyman) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat to assist in the land matters,” said Saifuddin.

Earlier, the Home Affairs Minister visited IPD Kapit where he was welcomed by Nanta and his political secretary Ambrose Abong Bugek, Deputy Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Sarawak and Sabah Affairs and Special Functions) Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong who is Hulu Rajang MP, Jamit, Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang, Deputy Kapit Resident Robert Liman, and Bukit Mabong District Officer Calvin Linggong.

IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata were also present.

Kapit police chief DSP Rohana Nanu accompanied all the visitors during the inspection on the divisions, facilities and also the living quarters at IPD Kapit.

During a briefing, Rohana informed Saifuddin on the district police headquarters’ 131-strong manpower, as well as other update reports.

In the afternoon, Saifuddin went to Rumah Gaing at Katibas in Song District, where a special taskforce operation (OPPK) to register Malaysians without citizenship documents was being conducted.

Also present at the session were Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan.

At Rumah Gaing, Saifuddin also handed over the identification documents to successful applicants from Song District.

After that, he proceeded to Rumah Rantai at Jalan Melekun-Mujong in Baleh to witness another OPPK being run there.

“All matters pertaining to the NRD (National Registration Department) are close to our heart – be they marriage registrations, birth certificate, and applications for MyKad.

“In July 2023, I met Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, and from the discussions, the OPPK Sarawak was set up to register genuine Sarawakians who are without MyKad.

“We helped to process their applications, but in doing so, we must be very strict, in view of the responsibility in upholding peace and national security,” remarked Saifuddin, who later handed over the identification documents to six successful applicants comprising school students from Bukit Mabong District.