LAWAS – The newly appointed Sarawak Police Commissioner has commenced a series of official visits across the state’s police districts, beginning in the northern town of Lawas. CP Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah chose this location for his inaugural trip, highlighting a commitment to reinforcing ties between the police force and local residents.
He addressed community leaders and officers at a dinner event held at Hotel Seri Malaysia Lawas, organised by the Lawas District Police. The commissioner revealed that his connection to the area dates back nearly three decades, having previously been stationed there in 1996. He expressed his pleasure at returning and re-establishing relationships with the local community.
This tour marks the start of a broader initiative to engage directly with all of Sarawak’s 28 district police chiefs and the populations they serve. The commissioner stressed that building strong, cooperative relationships with the public is a fundamental priority for his tenure. He believes that trust and collaboration are the cornerstones of effective law enforcement.
Combating substance abuse was identified as a primary operational focus for the police force under his leadership. The commissioner outlined an approach that relies on more sophisticated, community-oriented strategies to address the drug problem. He affirmed that this is a shared challenge requiring a united response across all Sarawakian communities.
He articulated a vision of ensuring every citizen can reside in safety, without the fear of criminal activities threatening their daily lives. The responsibility for maintaining this security, he noted, is a substantial one that must be shouldered with integrity and a spirit of collective purpose. He pledged to work closely with every stratum of society to achieve this goal.
During his speech, he extended his gratitude to Dato Henry Sum Agong, along with other local authorities and community members, for their steadfast support. He reiterated that such cooperation is invaluable for the police to perform their duties successfully. The event was attended by several senior police figures from the region.
Among the distinguished guests were DCP Saifullizan Ishak, Awangku Zainal Abedin Pengiran Jawa, and DSP Liong Tindan. The gathering also included numerous community heads and representatives, symbolising the partnership between the force and the public. The evening featured various cultural performances that showcased local traditions.
These included silat demonstrations, traditional dances, and musical acts, reflecting the area’s ethnic diversity and communal harmony. The occasion served not only as an official engagement but also as a celebration of the unique cultural fabric of the Lawas district. The commissioner’s tour is expected to continue across other districts in the coming months.
