KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Christina Liew has expressed concern over the recent increase in criminal activities in the city, warning that it could potentially impact the local tourism industry. Liew, who is the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, said that the recent muggings leaving two women injured and other cases of car smashings and robberies could discourage tourists and locals alike.
She highlighted the particularly brutal nature of the recent muggings, emphasizing that such incidents could tarnish the reputation of popular tourist spots such as Gaya Street, and potentially scare off potential visitors who are only just starting to return after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Liew also expressed her shock at the increasing boldness of the criminals, targeting not only tourists but also local residents. She stressed the importance of addressing this issue swiftly to prevent fear from taking hold among shoppers and visitors.
Last Thursday (Feb 15), an 18-year-old boy was arrested for robbing two women within six hours in a back alley of a bank in Gaya Street. The first victim, a 35-year-old clerk, was attacked and robbed of RM50, sustaining injuries in the process. The suspect was apprehended by the police and passers-by after snatching a mobile phone from another woman.
Another incident involving the brutal assault and robbery of a woman on Feb 16th led to the arrest of a 29-year-old man on Feb 18th. A viral video showed the man using a stick to beat the woman during the robbery. In a separate incident, two foreign men were detained by city police for armed robberies against a senior citizen and a Chinese tourist.
Liew, who is also the Api-Api assemblyman, emphasized the historic and popular nature of Gaya Street, particularly referencing the pre-pandemic level of activity at the Api-Api Night Food Market. She urged for increased security measures and infrastructure improvements in the state capital to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike, including more closed circuit television (CCTV) facilities and improved street lighting.
Liew also called for the deployment of the revived tourist police unit to strategic locations in the city, including Gaya Street, to restore public confidence and prevent the situation from escalating further.
