NABAWAN: Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun called on community leaders to work closely with police and government agencies to address a range of security and social concerns as the district undergoes rapid infrastructure development.
Speaking after officiating the community policing programme in Nabawan on Sunday, Jauteh said the district’s growth, while beneficial, has brought new challenges that require a coordinated response from both authorities and local communities.
Among the concerns he raised was the spread of the internet and communications access across the district, which he said could disrupt the lifestyles of younger residents if left unchecked.
“This can harm the community, especially the younger generation, if it is not managed well,” he said, noting that improved connectivity may lead to late sleeping habits due to excessive online activity.
Jauteh also urged road users, particularly motorcyclists, to wear helmets at all times, pointing out that compliance with traffic regulations was essential to public safety.
On social issues, he called on community and customary leaders to cooperate with police and hospitals in handling cases involving cultural practices, including underage marriage.
He said documentation issued by customary chiefs serves an important role in the proper handling of such cases.
Jauteh also raised concerns about border security, urging village heads to monitor the presence of foreigners in their communities, particularly in areas near the international border.
While acknowledging that some border villagers have family ties with residents of neighbouring countries, Jauteh said village chiefs must ensure such relationships are not exploited to fraudulently obtain Malaysian citizenship documents.
“Such actions could pose a threat to the safety of the community in the future,” he said.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, who was present as the Guest of Honour, echoed Jauteh’s call, saying that police-community cooperation is vital to maintaining peace in the district.
He noted that Nabawan’s vast geographical area, with villages spread across remote terrain, presents a significant challenge to authorities carrying out comprehensive security monitoring.
“Community leaders such as village heads and Village Development and Security Committee chairpersons play an important role as a link between police and the community,” Arthur said, adding that their role in quickly relaying information about security concerns or suspicious activity is indispensable.
