KOTA KINABALU: The growing number of homeless individuals and beggars in the state capital was a key focus during a recent courtesy call by Kota Kinabalu Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Division Chief Grace Lee Lei Mei on Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun.
Grace expressed concern that the increasing visibility of the homeless and beggars in public areas could harm Kota Kinabalu’s image as a premier tourist destination.
She stressed the importance of finding solutions that protect their welfare while ensuring the city remains safe and welcoming.
Jauteh agreed on the urgency of the matter and proposed that a formal request be made to local education institutions for a comprehensive study.
"The objective is to identify long-term, rights-based strategies that align with the principles of the United Nations Charter," Grace said.
The meeting also discussed wider community collaboration, including an invitation for the police to provide a speaker at a domestic violence awareness programme later this month.
Tourist safety was another priority, with calls for stronger Tourist Police presence in high-risk areas to deter theft and safeguard visitors.
The Commissioner concluded the session by sharing recent successes in tackling drug-related activities, underscoring the police force’s ongoing commitment to public safety and community well-being.