KUALA LUMPUR: The move by the police to improve safety standards and protection measures following last year's fatal Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) truck crash in Teluk Intan, Perak, has been welcomed as a positive step.
Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic) said the tragic incident, which claimed several lives, highlighted the urgent need to prioritise the safety and welfare of police personnel.
“Every police officer who serves the nation deserves to work in an environment that is safe, secure and properly equipped,” he said when contacted on Thursday (May 14).
However, Lee stressed that occupational safety and health within the police force should not be confined to vehicle safety or the FRU alone, but should encompass all departments and branches.
He said police personnel are routinely exposed to dangerous situations, long working hours, physically demanding tasks and emotionally stressful environments.
“These occupational risks must be continuously assessed and addressed through stronger safety policies, regular risk assessments, improved equipment maintenance, better training and strict compliance with safety procedures,” he said.
Lee also called for greater attention to be given to the mental health and psychological well-being of police personnel, noting that officers often face immense stress in carrying out their duties.
He said exposure to crime, violence, accidents, deaths, public pressure and heavy workloads could affect officers’ emotional stability, family life and decision-making if adequate support systems were lacking.
“It is important for the police occupational safety and health division to adopt more proactive and aggressive measures to strengthen both physical and mental workplace safety throughout the force,” he added.
Among the measures proposed were regular mental health screenings, confidential counselling services, stress management programmes, peer support systems, adequate rest periods and campaigns to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health treatment within the force.
Lee said the well-being of police personnel should never be overlooked as they play a critical role in maintaining law and order, public safety and national security.
“A healthier, safer and mentally resilient police force will ultimately enhance professionalism, efficiency, public confidence and the overall effectiveness of policing in the country,” he said.
He added that occupational safety and health should be regarded not merely as an administrative requirement, but as a fundamental responsibility and long-term investment in the welfare of those who dedicate their lives to protecting society.
