KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed public perceptions, particularly on social media, regarding the credibility of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in handling high-profile cases have remained a significant challenge for the entire police force in improving its service delivery, says Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
The Inspector-General of Police said that despite frequent viral criticism and baseless accusations, the public continued to place its trust and high expectations in the police force to ensure the country's well-being.
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"With a strength of over 134,000 personnel, my leadership team and I hope that the public will also play their role in strengthening the service delivery and upholding the integrity of the police force through the Public Complaints Management System," he said.
Razarudin made these remarks in his opening speech at the 218th Police Day Celebration, graced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, at the Police Training Centre here on Tuesday (March 25).
Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
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Razarudin highlighted that last year, the police force was bombarded with mixed perceptions from the public following several high-profile cases that shocked the nation, including the arrest of an Israeli man with six firearms and 200 rounds of ammunition, as well as the deadly attack on the Ulu Tiram police station in Johor, which claimed the lives of two police officers.
He said other incidents included the intrusion at the Datuk Keramat police station in Penang and the uncovering of the religious exploitation case, rescuing children and women who were victims of abuse and exploitation by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB).
In efforts to prevent crime and reduce the negative public perception surrounding national security issues, Razarudin emphasised the need to strengthen the relationship between the police and the community in line with the theme "The Police and the Community Are Inseparable" in maintaining a police-friendly and shared responsibility culture.
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"PDRM has also enhanced collaboration and engagement with various parties, including ministries, government agencies, local authorities, and private and international sectors.
"This initiative is not only limited to the police's core business but also aims to empower professionalism, efficiency, and human resource capabilities within the force," he said.
Meanwhile, Razarudin also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for the RM11.33bil allocation for the police force under the 2025 Budget, as well as the RM30mil operational budget received for the maintenance of facilities.
A total of 18 construction projects for district police headquarters, police stations, quarters and other facilities have also been approved, with a financial implication exceeding RM2.3bil under the Fifth Rolling Plan (RP5) of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) for the year 2025.
This is the highest number of approved projects compared to previous years, he added. – Bernama
