RANAU: The new Ranau Police Station must serve as more than a police facility by becoming a trusted centre of protection, assistance and justice for the local community, said Sabah Police Commissioner CP Datuk Jauteh Dikun.
Speaking at the station’s inauguration Monday, Jauteh said the building symbolised the Government’s and Royal Malaysia Police’s (PDRM) continued presence in safeguarding the people of Ranau.
He said the station should provide services that were friendly, responsive, efficient and professional, while ensuring that members of the public felt safe when seeking assistance or protection.
“I want all personnel at the Ranau police station to uphold the principle that the police and the community are inseparable in carrying out their duties,” he said.
Jauteh said there should be no gap between the police and the people. Instead, relations should be built on trust, mutual respect and cooperation, particularly in a district with a diverse population, wide geographical area and growing economic and tourism activities.
He said an effective police presence was important to ensure Ranau remained peaceful, safe and conducive for residents, visitors and businesses.
Jauteh also reminded police personnel that an improved facility would have little meaning unless the quality of service matched the investment in the building.
“A good building will not bring meaning if the service provided does not correspond with the facilities,” he said, urging officers and personnel to care for the station responsibly and make it a centre of quality policing and public service.
He urged members of the force to lead by example, work sincerely, act professionally and carry out their duties without compromise against misconduct and corruption.
“The power entrusted to the police is a trust. It is not a privilege for personal interest, but a responsibility to protect the community and uphold the law,” he said.
Jauteh urged the Ranau police to give greater emphasis to crime prevention by identifying security concerns at the grassroots level, engaging with residents, listening to complaints and taking action before problems developed into more serious threats.
He said current crime threats were increasingly complex, involving online scams, commercial crime, drug abuse, domestic violence, sexual offences, smuggling and organised criminal activities.
Addressing the challenges would require a proactive and integrated approach, including stronger cooperation between the police, government agencies, community leaders, educational institutions, non-governmental organisations and local communities, he said.
“Security cannot be carried by the police alone,” he said.
The inauguration also carried personal significance for Jauteh, who said Nov 11 would be his final day as Sabah Police Commissioner before entering mandatory retirement.
He described the Ranau station as part of his legacy, saying the building would continue to stand after he left the service, but more important legacy would be reflected in the values, integrity and dedication of the officers serving inside it.
