Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah
KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) will work closely with the police to enhance public safety, particularly for tourists.
Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah, highlighted that this decision was made following a series of criminal incidents, including an attack on a bank employee near a hotel on Gaya Street on February 16.
In the incident that occurred at around 6:30 a.m., the victim, a 50-year-old individual, sustained head injuries after being hit with a piece of wood.
“We will collaborate closely with the Kota Kinabalu District Police to ensure swift action is taken in such cases to guarantee the safety of tourists and the public,” he said in a statement here today.
He stressed the importance of public safety, especially during weekends when visitors frequent the Gaya Street Night Market and its vicinity.
Sabin also addressed the recent attack where the victim was on their way to work.
“Unfortunately, the victim was ambushed by an individual who struck them from behind with a piece of wood.
“Despite the victim’s attempts to defend themselves, the assailant continued to assault them.
“The perpetrator then snatched the victim’s handbag before fleeing the scene,” Sabin said.
He reassured that the DBKK will work diligently with the Kota Kinabalu District Police to promptly address such incidents.
“We urge the public to remain cautious and aware of their surroundings, particularly at night,” Sabin emphasised.
Meanwhile, Sabah Activist Kanul Gindol said with today’s latest case of a private company’s lady staff being mugged by a suspected immigrant, there have been two similar cases in recent days.
“As a concerned civil society representative, I am calling on the Federal and State authorities to take immediate actions to step up security and surveillance within the state capital and also in cities and towns with many illegal immigrants in the vicinity,” he said in a statement.
Kanul said the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, who is also the state security committee chairman, of which committee members are both Federal and Sabah officers, must convene an emergency meeting as to quash any doubt of competency in security and public safety within the capital.
“With news of a big scale round- up on illegal immigrants in the state recently, we cannot blame the people if they have the thought that some bad hats among the immigrants could be exacting their frustration and anger against the locals, ” he pointed out.
“Whatever it is, all of us must work closely and give support to our state leaders in overcoming security issues, including this perennial problem of overflowing presence of illegal immigrants,” Kanul added.
