GEORGE TOWN: Police have initiated an internal probe into claims that one of their men had refused to accept a police report over an alleged outrage of modesty incident.
This follows a viral posting on Thursday by Urban Life Volunteers which claimed that a policeman from the northeast district police headquarters had refused to accept such report from a victim.
Northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Soffian Santong said the complainant had came to the district police headquarters on Friday to have a statement taken, and confirmed the allegation which gone viral.
"We will conduct a thorough, transparent and fair investigation into the matter.
"If we find any wrongdoing or negligence in the implementation of work procedure, disciplinary action will be taken against officers and personnel involved.
"Refusing to accept a report by the public is a serious offence and we will not compromise on the matter," he said today.
On the alleged outrage of modesty incident, Soffian said it was being investigated under Section 354 of the Penal Code.
He vowed that the police were committed in giving their best services to the people in line with the aspiration of the top leadership.
In an e-mail sent to the New Straits Times, Penang Muda's Tan Sin Ying urged the Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun to table the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill at its soonest.
Tan said this would allow relevant parties to act accordingly to address the alarming rise of sexual harassment cases in Malaysia.
Tan added that any further delays on this bill - which was initially targetted to be tabled in March 2021 - would significantly halt progressive steps carried out by parties championing equality and women rights.
"We will continue to work closely with the relevant parties to address instances of sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct if and when they arise.
"We are open to assist in developing policies and solutions that discourage any such deeds, and regulations that urge equality and respect among all individuals - regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or socio-economic background.
"Penang Muda will continue to monitor current situations pertaining to these matters closely," Tan said.