KUCHING: Police officers involved in crimes and no longer of use to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) will be promptly given the boot from the force to prevent potential damage to the police’s image.
Kuching police chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah said this is in order to preserve the police’s reputation and ensure the community has trust in the police to deliver the best service for them.
He said between 2021 and 2023, three officers implicated in various crimes were relieved of their duties from the Kuching district police headquarters (IPD).
“We are serious about this issue. No way are we letting them stay on in the force if they are no longer capable of fulfilling their duties.
“Those who can no longer be used in the PDRM, will be dismissed and we will hire those who have better qualifications, discipline and governance.
“I emphasise this today – those who are not needed in the PDRM, we will take action and we will make sure they are removed before they become a cancer to the force,” he said after officiating at the police district-level Integrity and Mental Health Awareness Programme at Bintawa police station today (Dec 13).
Last year, 25 individuals in Kuching IPD were implicated in various crimes and offences such as corruption, narcotics, other crimes, offences against Syariah law and indiscipline.
This comprised four senior officers, 20 rank-and-file personnel, and a non-uniformed civil servant, representing 2.3 per cent of the total manpower in Kuching IPD.
Ahsmon stressed that he does not want to see any of his officers involved in such activities.
“Despite the relatively small figure, it is important to address these issues promptly to prevent their escalation and protect the integrity of PDRM as well as in ensuring the public continues to trust and rely on our services,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the programme organised by Kuching IPD, he pointed out that the first series involved a total of 100 participants with qualified counsellors, and more will be carried out once in three months or whenever is necessary.
Ahsmon said the programme aims to uphold the integrity and mental health of Kuching IPD personnel, essential for enhancing their performance in serving the community.
He addressed the importance of maintaining both integrity and mental health, noting that their absence could adversely impact the quality of service provided to the community.
