Sibu police believe they could do more to deter violent crime if witnesses can be persuaded to testify when charges are brought against the alleged perpetrators.

Divisional deputy chief Supt Han Hipeni said, however, that police have not been able to prosecute any of the recent cases of violent crime because people are generally reluctant to give information or to be witnesses during trials.

"This has been the characteristic of the people of Sibu for a long time and not just recently. This is partly out of fear because, in a small place, word tends to get out quickly," he said.

"Elected representatives in Sibu are also aware of the situation."

'Underworld connections'

Sibu has hit the headlines several times in recent months because of a spate of violent crime cases, including the latest on Sunday when a 40-year-old man was killed in his house, allegedly by a group of 10.

A man has been remanded to assist police with their investigations. Police sources said the incident is believed to be linked to earlier murder cases in the town.

Divisional police chief ACP Sebastian Gaong will call a press conference today to release more details on the probe into the killing which has shocked the local community.

Han conceded, too, that the police also face a shortage of human resources and that some personnel are "not honest".

At the same time, he said the problem has been blown out of proportion by "some people", but did not elaborate.

Han, who spent seven years at police headquarters in Kuching handling gangsterism cases, pointed out that many incidents in Sibu are the outcome of infighting between groups with connections to loan sharks and illegal activities, including illegal logging.

"They are members of some small gangs, mostly youngsters. We are doing our best to solve the cases," he added.