KUCHING – A courtesy visit to the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters on 21 April 2026 brought together senior police officers and civil society leaders to discuss pressing social issues affecting the state.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Saifullizan bin Ishak welcomed representatives from Pertiwi Progresif and Bantu Sarawak, led by Ivan Alexander Ong and Jeffery Ngui, respectively, for a dialogue on crime prevention and community collaboration.
The meeting focused on three areas of growing concern: online gambling, loan shark operations, and drug abuse.
Participants agreed that these challenges require stronger cooperation between enforcement agencies, non-governmental organisations, and local communities.
DCP Saifullizan stressed the importance of public education, remarking, “Masyarakat perlu dididik”, a sentiment that resonated with those present.
Civil society leaders highlighted the urgent need for legislative reform, particularly in relation to online gambling.
The Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, drafted decades before the advent of digital platforms, has left a gap that criminal groups are exploiting.
Pertiwi Progresif and Bantu Sarawak pledged to lobby Members of Parliament and relevant authorities to push for updated laws that reflect modern realities.
Beyond legislation, the organisations committed to intensifying grassroots awareness campaigns. Social media will play a central role in amplifying messages, sharing real-life experiences, and keeping these issues visible to the public.
The approach aims to ensure that communities are not only informed but actively engaged in prevention efforts.
Integrity within enforcement agencies was also openly discussed. DCP Saifullizan acknowledged that challenges exist, citing a recent incident where a police report lodged against a loan shark was leaked back to the perpetrator.
His candid admission underscored the need for reforms that strengthen trust between the police and the public.
During the session, a memorandum was presented to DCP Saifullizan, symbolising a formal commitment to bring community perspectives into ongoing strategies.
The document outlined the shared responsibility of enforcement bodies, NGOs, and citizens in tackling crime and social harm.
The meeting concluded with a unified vision: combating these issues cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the police. Instead, it requires collective action across society.
By combining enforcement with education, advocacy, and community mobilisation, stakeholders believe Sarawak can build a safer and more resilient environment for its people.
