KOTA KINABALU: City police, through the “Op Bantu” programme, responded to the plea by Sea Gypsies (Bajau Laut) for help with daily necessities, including milk and food for their babies, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) imposed in Pulau Gaya.
City Police Chief ACP Mohd Zaidi Abdullah, in a press conference after the distribution on Saturday, said the programme was implemented following numerous requests received through the “Op Bantu” operations room.
“A total of 25 food baskets were handed out today, sponsored by Adabi, officers and personnel of the Kota Kinabalu Police Headquarters (IPD) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“Among those who received assistance today are those who live on the water near Pulau Gaya, as well as those staying on the island.
“They were among those selected by Pulau Gaya Police Station Chief ASP Alamshah Ghulam.
“Desperate islanders badly affected by the EMCO have asked for help with daily necessities, including milk and food for babies,” he said.
Among those who attended were Police Family Association (Perkep) Chairwoman Wan Norzihan Mat Azahari, Head of District Management Division and Amanita IPD KK, DSP Rosnah Ag Damit, Head of Integrity Standards and Compliance Division KK, ASP Azlan Misli, and Head of Mobile Patrol Vehicle (MPV).
Mohd Zaidi said the “Op’ Bantu” is additional assistance given to the islanders on top of the assistance which is also distributed by the Government through the District Disaster Operations Control Centre Committee (PKOB).
“We actually get many requests from the residents of Pulau Gaya which now has almost 15,000 people.
“Therefore, we will ensure help is rendered to any individuals or families badly affected, especially those with children.
“There are still many in need of help and we will provide assistance to them as soon as we have received the next contribution from the relevant parties,” he said. – DE
