Sibu police step up enforcement against illegal street racing

SIBU (Jan 20): The Sibu District Police Headquarters (IPD Sibu) has stepped up enforcement against illegal street racing, with 59 special operations carried out throughout 2025.

Sibu district police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the enforcement efforts led to the seizure of 240 motorcycles and the issuance of 1,607 summonses for various traffic-related offences

“From these operations, 21 individuals were arrested and charged in court under Section 42 of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless and dangerous driving,” he said during his address at the IPD Sibu monthly assembly for January 2026.

Zulkipli said illegal street racing remains a serious social issue that poses significant risks to public safety, particularly involving young riders, with police closely monitoring developments often linked to youth involvement.

He stressed that enforcement actions were carried out not merely as punishment, but as preventive measures to avert fatal accidents, protect other road users and maintain public order.

Zulkipli also urged parents and guardians to play a more proactive role in monitoring their children’s movements and activities, particularly during late hours and weekends when such activities tend to occur.

At the same assembly, Zulkipli highlighted IPD Sibu’s overall crime-fighting performance, noting that index crimes in the Sibu district declined by 36.44 per cent, from 697 cases in 2024 to 443 cases in 2025.

He attributed the reduction to sustained enforcement efforts, improved investigation quality and close cooperation among various departments within IPD Sibu.

On narcotics, Zulkipli also commended the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department for its performance, revealing that 1,471 arrests were made in 2025, compared with 1,103 in 2024, representing an increase of 368 arrests.

Of those arrested last year, 1,040 individuals were drug addicts, while the total value of drug seizures surged to RM924,764, compared with RM175,946 in 2024, an increase of RM748,818.

“These achievements not only protect society from the threat of drugs, but also contribute to social well-being and the safety of future generations,” he said.

On commercial crime, Zulkipli said total financial losses recorded in 2025 amounted to about RM20.34 million, with the highest losses attributed to investment scams, totalling about RM9.55 million, followed by e-purchase scams and non-existent job offer scams.

Describing the trend as a serious red flag, he urged the public to remain vigilant and cautious to avoid falling victim to fraud and scam-related crimes.

“We must always be alert and take preventive measures so that we do not become victims of scams,” he said.

Zulkipli further stressed the importance of strengthening human capital within IPD Sibu, describing police personnel as the organisation’s most valuable asset.

He said continuous training, leadership development, mental resilience, discipline and integrity must remain core priorities to ensure effective policing.

On integrity, he reminded officers that any abuse of power, non-compliance with standard operating procedures or conduct that tarnishes the image of the force would not be tolerated.

“Integrity is the backbone of the force’s credibility. It must begin with oneself and be strengthened through a transparent work culture, continuous monitoring and high accountability,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zulkipli reiterated that IPD Sibu was awarded a five-star rating under the 2025 Financial Management Excellence Award by the Audit Division of the Home Affairs Ministry in Putrajaya on Jan 15, achieving an outstanding score of 97.46 per cent.

He said the recognition was the result of the collective commitment and dedication of all IPD Sibu personnel, and extended his congratulations to the entire district police as well as recipients of certificates of appreciation presented during the assembly.

Zulkipli concluded by calling on all IPD Sibu officers and personnel to enter 2026 with renewed spirit, stronger determination and unwavering commitment to improving service delivery, strengthening human capital and upholding integrity to ensure that public safety, community well-being and trust in the police force continue to be preserved.