TOURISM, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing has urged police to take strong measures to weed out criminals, especially armed gangs, in Sibu.

This plea follows a New Year’s Day shooting in Jalan Wong King Huo that left three men injured. Tiong emphasised the need for police action to prevent such incidents and ensure the peace and safety of the community.

“I urge the Sibu police chief and colleagues to swiftly solve the case, using strong measures against criminal gangs. I also appeal to the public to provide information to the police and cooperate with investigations to apprehend trigger-happy criminals and thereby eliminate this threat to our society,” he said in a statement on his Facebook page today.

Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP and Dudong state assemblyman, believed that Sibu police are capable of combating criminal elements and would take a zero-tolerance approach towards crimes.

Police must also step up efforts in the future, particularly increasing patrols in security-sensitive areas such as entertainment venues and bars after nightfall, he said.

Tiong said the shooting incident had sent shockwaves throughout Sibu and raised concerns about the possibility of widespread availability of firearms in the district, leading to deep anxieties about personal safety.

He said the culprits showed no regard for human lives and disrespect for law enforcement by openly disrupting societal peace.

“If swift and decisive action is not taken to punish them, it will be impossible to reassure local businesses and residents,” he added. – Bernama, January 4, 2024.