KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman will not hesitate to take action against personnel who are in cahoots with prostitution or illegal gambling syndicates, says Tan Sri Razarudin Husain (pic).
The Inspector-General of Police said there is no place for any officer or personnel in the force if they are “loyal” to crime syndicates or cartels.
“Bukit Aman through the Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS) is always committed and serious in taking action against any party who has broken the law, including those protecting illegal activities for bribes.
“I don’t deny Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statement that prostitution and illegal gambling are still rampant in the country.
“However, what is more worrying is the perception that some police officers are receiving bribes to protect syndicates,” he said when contacted yesterday.
The IGP said police personnel at all levels of the force, be it Bukit Aman, state contingents or police stations, have been constantly reminded to gain the trust and confidence of the people and to not be involved in any illegal activity.
“Thus, our commitment is to ensure everyone in the police force carries out their duties sincerely and honestly.
“This is towards the goal of maintaining peace and public order and ensuring the best service to the people,” he added.
Razarudin said since 2020, a total of 449 police officers have been detained, based on the records of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
“From the number, 179 officers were charged and 76 were convicted of various bribery charges.
“For bribery offences involving illegal gambling and prostitution, 28 officers were detained and eight of them charged and convicted during the same period.
“The figure 28, if compared with the overall 134,426-strength of the police, only represents 0.0022%,” he said.
Razarudin said despite only a small number, the police through JIPS are always looking at relevant approaches that could yield effective results and thwart any opportunity for corruption.
“JIPS has presented a proposal to the Anti-Illegal Activity Secretariat on Jan 11 for its implementation through the Central Geospatial Illegal Activities Mapping System (CGIA).
“This system will be able to assist in gathering, storing and analysing the mapping of large-scale illegal activities.
“We feel the mechanism is spot-on, with the focus of the police and the government on curbing illegal gambling and prostitution as well as preventing any opportunity for police officers to protect criminal syndicates,” he added.
