The Member of Parliament (MP) for Rai Coast, Kessy Sawang has boosted security in her district with three new patrol boats and a police vehicle.

She said the move came after deadly piracy incidents, including one where 29 people were killed out at sea.

“To protect our people, I bought patrol boats for Basamuk, Tapalili and Saidor, and also a new police car,” Sawang said.

The boats cost between K40,000 and K60,000, while the police car cost K265,000.

Sawang said the patrols are already making a difference by stopping criminals and allowing people to travel safely to markets, schools and towns.

“This is about giving back freedom of movement to our people, who have lived in fear for too long,” she said.