Former Bukit Aman (federal police) Criminal Investigation Department Special Task Force On Organised Crime (STAFOC) assistant director I (Intelligence), ACP Lim Meng Seah has been appointed as the new Miri police chief.

Lim, 54, from Taiping, Perak, is taking over from ACP Khoo Leng Huat who goes on compulsory retirement tomorrow after assuming the post since Oct 5 last year.

The brief handing over of duties ceremony between Lim and Khoo was held at the Miri District Police headquarters here today and witnessed by Sarawak deputy commissioner Datuk Abdul Aziz Yusof.

Earlier in his speech, Lim said his appointment as the district police chief served as a new challenge for him especially in the management aspect.

"(My) over 33 years of experience in the force was more on criminal investigation," he said, adding that he pledged to give his best throughout his stint.

In a press conference after the ceremony, Lim said his main focus after this was to listen to briefings on crime issues from the Miri police senior officers before coming out with his own strategies.

"This is the first time for me to serve in Sarawak and I need to understand the current situation and challenges first," he added.

Meanwhile, Khoo, who has served in the force for 38 years, expressed his appreciation to Miri police senior officers, low-ranking policemen, media representatives and members of the public who had been of great help in resolving crime cases in the district.

"I hope everybody, including the media, will give their full support in helping the police to solve crime in Miri," he said.

In conjunction with his retirement, Khoo also presented certificates of appreciation to the media representatives in Miri including the Bernama bureau, for their contributions to the force in crime prevention and solution, as well as in social activities.