KUALA LUMPUR: The recent announcement on police to be equipped with body-worn cameras (BWCs) from September onwards, is one that has been long anticipated and is in line with modernising the Malaysian police force.
Alliance for A Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said this move would not only be beneficial to policemen standing their ground when something bad happens, but will also build public confidence when dealing with the police.
He said the BWCs would deter policemen from any wrongdoing or bad practices, knowing their actions were being recorded.
"These cameras will provide clearer proof of what really transpired when something happens, or when there is a wrongful accusation on either party.
"It's high time for our police force to start using BWCs at all 640 police stations in 157 districts nationwide.
"However, it is also important that these men in blue are given proper lessons on BWC standard operating procedures."
Lee said an incident like the one involving a couple from the United Kingdom and a policeman who solicited RM100 from them for a traffic offence, which had cast a negative image of the police, could also be avoided.
"With the BWCs, I hope the police will be even more committed to carry out their duty with integrity."
He added that it would have a positive impact on the relations between the police and public.
Yesterday, Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director Datuk Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad reportedly said a total of 7,648 BWCs would be supplied in stages from September.
He said an acceptance letter was issued by the Home Ministry on Tuesday on the BWCs.