IGP: Phone checks by police limited to specific probes


KUALA LUMPUR: With widespread concern about the police conducting mobile phone checks on the public, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain has reiterated that these will be done only on suspects in specific investigations.

The Inspector-General of Police assured that such checks will not be conducted arbitrarily or randomly in public areas.

“This means there must be information, intelligence or reasonable suspicion indicating that a person has committed an offence or crime, thus making them a suspect,” he said when contacted here yesterday, Bernama reported.

Razarudin added that such inspections will only be conducted by officers ranked Inspector and above.

He emphasised that the inspections will be strictly related to case investigations, allowing officers to perform their duties while respecting individual rights and maintaining public trust.

On Jan 13, Razarudin said police have the authority to inspect mobile phones if there is reasonable suspicion or information suggesting involvement in criminal activities.

This authority is provided for under several legal provisions, including Section 23(1) and Section 116B of the Criminal Procedure Code, Sections 233 and 249 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998, Section 20(g) of the Police Act and Section 292 of the Penal Code.

Last Saturday, it was reported that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) would soon hold a meeting to discuss the issue of police inspecting mobile phones of members of the public.

The subject has sparked much concern and debate over the issue of “privacy rights vs public safety”.

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