‘Law, order a pressing concern’

By DALE LUMA
SECURITY is a significant cost of doing business in the country, says Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry (POMCCI) president Rio Fiocco.
Fiocco said law and order remained a key issue which was an added cost for businesses.
He said a lot of businesses were hiring security companies to move money, transport staff, secure business premises and others such as CCTV (closed circuit television).
Prime Minister James Marape previously stated that the rising law and order issues was the most pressing concern for businesses and the people and this had to be the Government’s focus before the 2022 elections.
“Criminal activities and the law and order situation are a direct result of the lack of institutional capacity and capability, absence of political leadership at all levels of government and ineffective governance,” he said as a meeting of the National Security Council was held this week to discuss the issue.
“Corporate and business houses are concerned that law and order problems are affecting businesses.
“The law enforcement agencies are absolutely committed to address public safety issues and security of the governments’ private sector assets,” Marape said.
Malaysian companies which have about US$5 billion (K17 billion) worth of investments in the country also think security is one of the key concerns in the country, according to High Commissioner to PNG Mohamad Nasri Abdul Rahman.
“Security is the most important which needs to be improved, then we can come and do more businesses here,” he said.
“Currently, looking from outside there are concerns on security issues.
“That is the only biggest challenge here which we can slowly improve.”