Cops who abuse handphone checks can be reported

Reports by MARTIN CARVALHO, RAHIMY RAHIM, TARRENCE TAN and FATIMAH ZAINAL

MEMBERS of the public can lodge police reports against policemen who abuse their powers to randomly check handphones of individuals, says Deputy Home Minister Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman.

Although the police have investigative powers to check an individual’s mobile device under the law, he said it must be done based on reasonable grounds and according to standard operating procedures (SOP).

“I am aware that there are supposedly complaints of police officers using this power to randomly check handphones against the SOP.

“Members of the public should be aware of their rights and can ask the police officer to show their identification cards.

“If they feel that it was done unreasonably, they can lodge a report against the officer at the nearest police station, ” he said when answering a question raised by Chan Ming Kai (PH-Alor Setar).

Mohd Azis said complainants can also lodge a report at a different police station if they lack confidence in lodging a report at the station where the offending police officer is serving under.

“The people can also lodge a report with Bukit Aman’s Integrity Department, ” he said, adding that they can file complaints with the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) which has yet to be set up.

Chan asked if members of the public will be able to lodge reports against police officers who abused their powers to randomly check their handphones without reasonable justification.

Opposition chief Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (BN-Bera) asked if the police carried out phone tapping activities, particularly against Opposition politicians.

“You were once a minister with the former government and you should know.

“As far as I am aware, there is no such thing, ” Mohd Azis said.

However, he said the police will use any available means available when investigating individuals committing crimes.