Nearly 1,500 police personnel faced disciplinary action since 2022, says Saifuddin

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1,466 police personnel have faced disciplinary action since 2022, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

At the same time, he said the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) had received 218 complaints as of March 15 this year.

“There are two ways the IPCC and Bukit Aman Integrity and Compliance Department (JIPS) coordinate the complaints.

“First, it is based on the recommended actions, and second, the investigation results from the IPCC, which is then recommended to the JIPS for the next course of action,” he said in reply to Teresa Kok (PH-Seputeh) during the Question Time in Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (March 21).

Kok has asked about the number of complaints received by the IPCC since its commencement and the coordination of the functions of the IPCC and JIPS.

To an additional question, Saifuddin Nasution acknowledged that there was still room for improvement in police image and discipline.

“Complaints against police officers can be made to the IPCC under the IPCC Act or Act 839.

“Under this act, a resolution process will be conducted if the complaint is related to corruption. The IPCC will then forward the complaint to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

“If the complaint is criminal, such as failure to report for duty, unauthorised polygamy or leaving the country without informing superiors, it will be referred to the JIPS for investigation,” he said.

“The classification of offences investigated under Act 839 is detailed, determining the authority responsible for each type of offence.

“Any diplomatic offences will be handled by the IPCC,” he said, adding that cases of police integrity and misconduct should be given attention from the early stages of the recruitment process.

To an additional question by Rushdan Rusmi (PN-Padang Besar), Saifuddin Nasution said the high interest in joining the police force with exceptional quality among applicants indicates the need for continuous improvement efforts.

“The government is committed to maintaining the integrity of the police force and addressing incidents promptly, including in isolated cases in remote areas,” he said.