Police to study Respa suggestion for training review, says IGP

IPOH: The Royal Malaysian Police Force (PDRM) will look into the suggestion made by the Retired Senior Police Officers’ Association (Respa) to review the current training module for new recruits following several integrity issues reported lately, says Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.

The Inspector-General of Police, however, said a thorough study was necessary to make changes to the current module.

He said the current module also had all the required focus sections, including matters pertaining to religious and moral values, and stringent selection of recruits who are required to undergo various tests.

Commenting on the current procedure, Razarudin said new recruits whether for constable, sergeant or inspector, there were procedures that they needed to follow, including physical and intelligence tests.

“This test is known as the SPiER test, which is conducted by the Home Ministry. This test includes recruitment profiling, and once they pass these tests, they would be called for a face-to-face interview, and when they pass this phase, then they will need to undergo security and health screening.

“The current module also requires new recruits to pass religious and moral tests, both for Muslim and non-Muslim recruits,” he told reporters after closing the Internal Security and Public Order Department’s (KDNKA) “Mara Lasak” test held at the Northern General Operations Force brigade headquarters at Ulu Kinta near here today. (Feb 14)

Razarudin was commenting on the suggestion by Respa president Datuk Meor Che Hussein, who had said that the training module for new recruits must be improved by focusing on strengthening the mental, spiritual, discipline and integrity sectors.

When asked if after several integrity issues reported among the men in blue, if there were tighter intake rules, Razarudin said that was not the case, as there were several criteria stated when recruitment advertisements are posted.

“We do take note of the suggestion from Respa,” he added.

Razarudin said the police had zero tolerance when it came to officers or personnel involved in any discipline or integrity issues.

“I will say this again, we will not side with officers or personnel who have gone against the law, we will conduct the necessary investigations, and take action,” he added.

In the case of the three traffic cops nabbed for allegedly asking RM100 bribe from a British couple, Razarudin said they have been suspended temporarily from work.

He said the investigation papers on the case have been referred to the Attorney General.

On Jan 30, Perak police chief Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the three were arrested in connection to a viral video posted online by a British couple alleging that a policeman had asked for RM100 bribe to settle a summons issued for speeding.

The British couple famous on social media for their globe-trotting adventures in a campervan had posted a video online.