Enhancing integrity of police force high on new IGP's agenda

Press conference by IGP Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani at Menara Bukit Aman

KUALA LUMPUR: Improving the level of integrity within the police force is one of the top priorities for new Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.

All elements of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), including state contingents, have been instructed to step up in-service training at least once a week for about two hours, he said.

"The classes will explain the latest topics and issues so that our officers and personnel are up to date with current happenings.

"Sometimes certain officers or personnel hesitate when they are confronted with a situation. This is not good as it will tarnish public confidence in the police.

"Part of the training will focus on changing the work culture so that integrity and courteousness are fully ingrained in our DNA as police personnel and officers," he told a special press conference in Bukit Aman on Thursday (May 6).

Acryl Sani vowed that any wrongdoing committed by members of the force will not be hidden as transparency is the key.

"If any member of the public wonders what to do if a policeman asks for a bribe, go to the nearest police station to lodge a report.

"Wrongdoing and corruption will not be tolerated," he said.

Several programmes which are part of PDRM's Anti-Corruption Plan unveiled last year will also be implemented in stages, Acryl Sani said.

"The anti-corruption blueprint stretches until 2024 and we will implement the programmes consistently.

"The duration of the programmes ranges from three to six months.

"A professor once said during a lecture that the number one thing that haunts retirees is regret, thus I will give it my all to ensure these programmes are implemented while I am still in service," he said.

The nation's top cop said he is also focusing on improving the service delivery system of the police force and bridging the gap between police and public.

"We will step up 'Meet the Customers Day' programmes at all state contingents, district police headquarters and police stations nationwide.

"Such forums will enable the police and society to scrutinise what is lacking so that they can work together to bridge the gap between the two parties.

"One aspect that must be looked at is treatment of the public, be it at police stations, at roadblocks or any other situation.

"There were some cases where members of the public were treated rudely by police. It ends now.

"We want to foster better understanding between police and society so that together, we can prevent and combat crime more effectively. We want to increase public confidence in the force," he said.

He also urged all OCPDs to organise town hall sessions with local communities so that latest issues could be explained and discussed.

"Such sessions should be held at least once a week and the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department can arrange them.

"The police will not exist without society... we cannot do effective work without support from society," Acryl Sani said.

He also reminded all members of the force that the police slogan "Sedia Berkhidmat" (Ready to Serve) is not just for the public but their comrades in blue as well, including retirees.

"All OCPDS have been instructed to check information on all retired police personnel in their respective areas.

"Engagement with retired personnel and officers is a must as we want to help them the best way we can," he added.

The welfare and wellbeing of the police will not be forsaken, especially logistical needs, Acryl Sani said.

"For example, several General Operations Force posts in the northern and East Coast states will be upgraded given their poor condition.

"Basic needs such as broken-down elevators at police buildings will be looked into and rectified," he said.

The IGP also reminded the public not to let their guard down in the fight against Covid-19.

"I know people are tired but this is not the time to let our guard down.

"Honour the sacrfices of frontliners, who have been fighting on since last year without ever giving up.

"I hope that everyone comply with Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) as our ultimate goal is to break the chain of infection," Acryl Sani said.