George Town OCPD moves to Bukit Aman

AFTER serving as George Town OCPD for three years and 11 months, acting Senior Asst Comm Soffian Santong has been transferred to Bukit Aman.

He has been promoted to Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Division’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) unit (D3) as the new principal assistant director, sporting the new rank.

Acting SAC Soffian expressed gratitude to officers and personnel for helping keep the crime index low during his tenure.

“After I assumed the post here, the Covid-19 pandemic hit three months later.

“As OCPD, Covid-19 was among the most unprecedented challenges I ever experienced.”

However, with cooperation from all, including the public, the situation was managed and kept under control, he said at the joint handover-of-duty ceremony and monthly assembly at George Town police district headquarters in Patani Road.

The handover ceremony included acting SAC Soffian inspecting officers (above) and a crime prevention demonstration (below).

He said he was fortunate to have served under four police chiefs during his stint as OCPD.

Acting SAC Soffian served under Comm Datuk T. Narenasagaran, Comm Datuk Seri Sahabudin Abd Manan, Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain and current Penang police chief Comm Khaw Kok Chin.

Comm Narenasagaran has retired while Comm Sahabudin and Comm Mohd Shuhaily now serve as directors of Bukit Aman Logistics and Technology Department, and the Crime Investigation Department, respectively.

Acting SAC Soffian handed over his duties as district police chief to his deputy Supt V. Saravanan, who is now acting OCPD.

The handover ceremony was witnessed by Comm Khaw.

Acting SAC Soffian, 47, was Terengganu deputy CID chief before he was appointed George Town OCPD.

He succeeded SAC Che Zaimani Che Awang, 58, who was appointed Kedah Crime Prevention and Community Security Department chief.

Comm Khaw, in his speech, congratulated acting SAC Soffian on his new appointment.

“I have known Soffian from his time in Selangor and he has great leadership quality.

“The position in Bukit Aman suits him as he is one of those who is most qualified,” said Comm Khaw, adding that he is confident that Supt Saravanan would do well as acting OCPD.

During the event, acting SAC Soffian conducted an inspection of officers and also enjoyed light-hearted moments with them.

A crime prevention demonstration was carried out too.