SABAH’S crime index fell 1.6% last year to 11.3%, from 12.9% in 2017, the lowest in the country at present, Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said today.

He said overall, the country has made tremendous strides in reducing the crime rate. However, he expressed concern on the number of petty crimes committed in Sabah.

“Petty crimes remain the highest in Sabah, and unfortunately, in the Klang Valley. This is our greatest concern as such crimes are also related to drug crime.

“We are also concerned about gambling as it is also attributed to a number of petty thefts. This means the Sabah police have to work harder next year to bring down the number,” he said at a press conference in Kota Kinabalu today.

Present was Sabah Police Commissioner Omar Mammah.

On another development, Fuzi said the police will keep up the level of security in Cameron Highlands until voting on Saturday.

He said the police had received at least 10 reports and action was being taken to address them.

“Most of these reports are not crime-related but electoral offences. Overall, security in Cameron Highlands remains under control,” said Fuzi.

The police force has deployed 1,300 men for the by-election, Fuzi said, adding 240 personnel are on duty for early voting today. – January 22, 2019.