Villagers lauded for assisting authorities to tackle cross-border crimes

TAWAU, Sept 25 -- Sabah Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan has lauded the efforts of villagers in three coastal villages here for assisting security forces to tackle cross-border crimes.

He said the strong cooperation of the villagers of Kampung Batu Payung, Kampung Tinagat and Kampung Membalua in efforts to tackle crimes should be emulated by all parties, adding that by becoming the eyes and ears for the authorities, the villagers had helped the security forces in thwarting various attempts made by individuals to commit cross-border crimes.

"Recently, acting on the information from the villagers, the authorities managed to foil the distribution of syabu drugs weighing 303 kilogrammes worth almost RM11 million which is the largest seizure in the state.

"I feel very proud of the contribution of all those involved and appreciation should be given to them," he told reporters after presenting certificates of appreciation to 32 individuals, including members of the neighbourhood watch in Kampung Batu Payung here today.

Nizam, who is also Apas state assemblyman, said the coastal villages have always been targeted by criminals to carry out illegal activities such as human trafficking, smuggling of controlled goods and drug trafficking.

He said the People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA) would set up a beat base in Kampung Batu Payung to facilitate monitoring.

-- BERNAMA