KOTA KINABALU: The nine policemen under investigation for alleged involvement in an extortion case have not been transferred to Sabah or Sarawak yet, says Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.
The Inspector-General of Police, however, said he was aware of the unhappiness over the issue and has instructed the police’s Management Department to review the matter.
“We will take note of all the wishes by the Sabah and Sarawak governments on the issue,” he said after attending the Ops Bersepadu Khazanah meeting here on Thursday (Aug 4).
“We thank them for their feedback. Further information on the matter will be provided by our media and corporate communications unit,” he added.
Selangor deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk S. Sasikala Devi was reported to have said the nine officers were transferred to several police stations and divisions in Sabah and Sarawak.
She said they had been placed in the states as investigations continue on their alleged involvement in an extortion case linked to a businessman in Gombak, Selangor.
The report received backlash from various leaders in Sabah who said the state was not supposed to be a “dumping ground” for problematic policemen.
Among them was Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan who said it was unacceptable for the nine policemen to be transferred to the Borneo states as part of disciplinary action taken against them.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had also said on Wednesday (Aug 3) that he viewed the action seriously as the police did not seek or consult with the state on the matter.
Hajiji said the state government will seek an explanation from the police over their action in transferring the group of “problematic” police officers to Sabah and Sarawak.
The Sarawak State Secretary's Office on Wednesday said the Sarawak Commissioner of Police's office had confirmed that none of the personnel had reported to the state police contingent.
"The state government welcomes PDRM's efforts to increase its personnel in Sarawak to strengthen security for the people's wellbeing.
"However, we hope that PDRM will only place officers and personnel with high integrity and who are free from criminal investigations," it said in a statement.
The State Secretary's Office added that PDRM welcomed the state government's views and would review the decision to transfer the policemen.
