KOTA KINABALU: There should be more drastic security measures to address rampant crimes in the state capital here.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said of late, there were car smashing incidents in Jalan Gaya, robberies involving both tourists and locals as well as attempted burglaries at housing areas.
The Api-Api assemblyman added that some of those incidents caused serious injuries to victims.
"I am absolutely appalled at the outrageous acts of the robbers who outrightly challenge the authorities."
She said the last two incidents in the city indicate that would-be criminals were getting brazen and targeting locals; and it could strike fear in the hearts of shoppers and visitors in Kota Kinabalu.
"The horrifying nature of robberies, in which a woman was brutally attacked, would not only earn a 'bad' name for Gaya Street but would also scare off potential tourists.
"And on Thursday morning, even a commercial bank was not spared. The crime committed at the Maybank premises in Kampung Air is atrocious.
"As such, it is vital to avert an insecure environment where KK residents, particularly city dwellers, live in fear. We cannot allow this dangerous situation to escalate into something beyond our control," she said in a statement.
Liew suggested for increased police patrols, and for more closed circuit television (CCTV) facilities to be installed, while improving street lighting.
She also looked forward to the revival of the Tourist Police Unit who could be deployed at strategic locations in the city, including Gaya Street, to restore public safety and to address the 'street kids' issue.