IPOH: A total of 23 people were arrested by the police for various criminal offences during an operation held for the New Year celebration, says the Perak police chief.

       Comm Datuk Mior Faridalathrash Wahid (pic) said the crime prevention ops was held from 4pm on Dec 31, until 4am on Saturday (Jan 1).

       He said a total of 3,637 individuals were checked, and from that figure, 23 people were arrested.

       "Some 15 people were arrested for narcotics offences, and eight for other criminal offences.

       "A total of 2,938 vehicles were also inspected, and a total 274 traffic summonses issued," he said in a statement Saturday.

       Comm Mior Faridalathrash said the ops was carried out to ensure any celebration held in conjunction with the New Year was done in a safe manner.

       "Besides that, this op was also held due to complaints from the public on their worries on the increase in crime cases in housing and commercial areas.

       "Thus we used the 'omnipresence' approach especially at public areas to create a sense of safety among the local community," he added.

       He said through this integrated ops conducted, it was hoped that this would help reduce their fears and worries.

       "The police will continue to ensure the safety and welfare of the community in the state.

       "The public is also urged to cooperate by sharing any information on any criminal activities around their area," he added.