KOTA KINABALU: A large group of well-wishers gathered at Terminal Two of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport on Wednesday (Dec 18) to welcome home newly appointed Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman.
The huge turnout of people took both officials and police by surprise.
"We expected around 2,000 to 2,500 attendees, but the crowd swelled to an estimated 3,500 to 4,000 people from all over Sabah," city police chief Asst Comm Kasim Muda said on Wednesday (Dec 18).
With 150 personnel managing traffic and safety, police were stationed at key points to control the crowd amid concerns about overcrowding.
"The police had to barricade the main gate to prevent the terminal area from being overwhelmed.
"We delayed entry to avoid chaos but granted access about 20 to 30 minutes before Musa's arrival," he said.
He said this was done as a precautionary measure, which caused some frustration among some waiting eager to catch a glimpse of the new Governor.
"Not everyone could be allowed in due to the limited space. We didn't want to risk overcrowding or safety issues," he said.
He noted that some attendees had travelled long distances, some on buses from as far as Sandakan, Beaufort, Keningau and Tawau.
A swelling crowd of well-wishers gathered at the main gate of Terminal Two at Kota Kinabalu International Airport in Tanjung Aru to welcome the new Govenor of Sabah Tun Musa Aman on Wednesday (Dec 18) .
"Everything was kept under control and there were no disturbances. The crowd generally complied with the instructions," he said.
In another development, Kasim said an anti-corruption gathering called "Gempur Rasuah Sabah" planned for Dec 31 at the Chief Minister's office in Menara Kinabalu did not have a permit.
"We are aware of the peaceful protest but no one has come forward to apply for a permit.
"We will grant permits for peaceful assemblies as long as they follow the necessary regulations," he said.
