KUALA LUMPUR: Individuals, companies and organisations are warned against using the police force's name, logo, images of police officers or any official police identity for promotional, marketing, advertising or commercial purposes without prior authorisation.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the police's official identity is an institutional asset that must be protected and should not be exploited for financial gain or in ways that could mislead the public.
"The presence of police officers at any event should not be construed as an endorsement, support or official recognition of any product, service, investment scheme or commercial activity," he said in a statement on Wednesday (July 15).
The IGP also advised the public not to assume that a product or service has received official police approval simply because police officers were involved in or attended a particular event.
"Any party found using its official identity without permission or in a manner that creates the false impression that the police endorse a product or service could face legal action.
"Such cases could be investigated under existing laws, including Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, subject to the facts of the case and the ability to establish the necessary elements of an offence," he added.
Mohd Khalid said the police are committed to safeguarding the integrity, credibility and official identity of the force, adding that all collaborations with external parties must be conducted transparently, professionally and in accordance with the law to maintain public confidence in the police.
