Sarawak Police Commissioner Mohamad Zainal Abdullah warns SOSMA will be used against groups involved in drug trafficking and organised crime.
KUCHING: Sarawak police will intensify action against serious crime, including organised crime, terrorism and drug trafficking, with the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) among the measures to be used.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said several groups suspected of involvement in drug trafficking were currently being monitored, although he declined to disclose their identities or number.
“I issue a stern warning to those out there that if they continue to be actively involved in drug trafficking in Sarawak, SOSMA action will be taken,” he told reporters after the handover of duty ceremony for the Sarawak Contingent Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief here today.
He said the intensified approach would be more aggressive than previous operations such as Ops Cantas Khas Kenyalang, with the CID chief and all departments within the Sarawak Contingent tasked with working together against serious crime.
“I have placed that responsibility on the shoulders of the CID chief, and all departments in the Sarawak Contingent will cooperate towards taking more aggressive action,” he said, adding that other organised crime groups remained on the police radar.
SOSMA provides special powers for the investigation and prosecution of security offences, including provisions relating to arrest and detention, interception of communications and other investigative measures, subject to the requirements of the Act.
The law allows a person arrested for a security offence to be detained for up to 28 days for investigation, while interception of communications may be carried out in circumstances provided for under the legislation.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Zainal said police officers and personnel working in the field during haze conditions must comply with standard operating procedures set by the Health Ministry, including wearing face masks.
He said the measure was important to reduce health risks arising from poor air quality, particularly for personnel conducting patrols, traffic duties and operations in border areas.
Earlier, he witnessed SAC Kumarasan Muniandi assuming the post of Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters CID chief, replacing ACP Ishak Yaakub, who had been acting in the position since Aug 18.
