Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew is urging the community to prioritize their safety during the festive season, especially in light of a concerning rise in reported missing persons over recent months. His remarks reflect an increased vigilance among police forces, highlighting the importance of communication within families to mitigate anxiety surrounding missing persons.
Mr. Chew noted that reports typically arise only after individuals have been unaccounted for over a day. He emphasized that it is crucial for people to keep their families informed about their whereabouts and expected return times. “Families feel anxious when loved ones do not come home. When reports are made, it often becomes evident that these individuals did not inform their families of their plans,” he explained.
The police chief also pointed out that many of those reported missing are teenagers aged between 16 and 18 years. Despite the urgency associated with these cases, Mr. Chew mentioned that there are instances where police cannot intervene due to individuals asserting their rights. He conveyed a clear message: while the police respect individual freedoms, it is essential for everyone to remain aware of their surroundings and prioritize safety.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu echoed Mr. Chew’s concerns, noting that the police are now focusing more resources on missing persons cases, which were previously less prominent. “We are treating all these cases with utmost seriousness and directing our investigators to put more effort into resolving them,” Driu stated.
This call to action serves as a reminder for families to foster open dialogue and communication, especially during a busy season where gatherings and celebrations are common. The police’s commitment to tackling this issue offers hope that community safety will be reinforced through awareness and cooperation among all members of society.
In summary, the police emphasize the importance of family communication and personal vigilance as vital tools in ensuring safety during the festive season, as they strengthen their efforts to address the growing number of missing persons cases.
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