Sarawak Police Commissioner Reports 57.67 Pct Surge In Commercial Crimes

KUCHING, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- There has been a 57.67 percent surge in commercial crimes in Sarawak this year, with 2,622 cases as of August compared to the same period last year, said Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata.

He said cybercrimes, such as e-commerce fraud, fake investments, non-existent loans, and phone scams, were the primary contributors, with total losses reaching RM89.9 million.

"Among the major successes of the Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) was the dismantling of three call centre syndicates in Miri and Sibu, with 18 arrests, as well as uncovering a fake gold trading syndicate and a QR code fraud operation in Padawan.

"To date, 1,091 commercial crime offenders have been arrested," he said at the Sarawak Police Commissioner Monthly Assembly address at the state contingent police headquarters today.

Touching on the threat of narcotics, Mancha noted that drug addiction is now increasingly centred on synthetic drugs such as crystal meth, ecstasy and magic mushrooms, which have severe adverse effects on the mental and physical health of users.

He highlighted that there were 7,799 arrests, compared to 7,489 during the same period last year, an increase of 248 or 3.3 percent from Jan 1 to Aug 31 this year. 

"These arrests covered drug trafficking, possession and positive drug tests. A total of 448 drug lords were also detained. The value of drugs seized rose to RM23.6 million, nearly double the RM12 million recorded last year," he said.

Mancha added that there was a whopping 363.6 percent hike in the total value of assets seized from drug traffickers at RM15.8 million, compared to RM3.4 million last year.

In a related development, he said the Sarawak government recently allocated four 4WD vehicles to the Sarawak Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) to navigate the challenging terrain of remote and border zones.

"These assets will assist the Sarawak NCID to respond more swiftly and effectively in combating narcotics crime, in line with the Royal Malaysia Police's commitment to protecting the community from the threat of drugs," he said.

This was the last monthly assembly for Mancha as Sarawak Police Commissioner before his mandatory retirement on Sept 29.

"Although I will be retiring from the service, my heart and soul will always be with this team. I will continue to support the Royal Malaysia Police's mission for the safety and well-being of the people," he emphasised.

During the event, he also presented certificates of excellence to selected officers and personnel.

-- BERNAMA