KLANG: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said low salaries among police personnel had contributed to corruption cases within the force.
However, he said this is not the primary factor contributing to corruption in the country.
Razarudin said that the salaries of police officers vary based on the living standards in the areas they are stationed in.
"A constable's salary is low...amounting to a mere RM2,500, and this includes the allowances. This amount makes it economically challenging for urban dwellers in Kuala Lumpur.
"However, if they reside in rural areas like Kuala Nerang, Besut, Kinabatangan or Beluran, the salary is comparatively higher because they get an additional hardship allowance of RM500 to RM1,000," he said, adding police had also raised this concern with the government before this.
"If we say that the constable's salary is low and he is involved in corruption, I can provide a percentage of those involved in corruption.
"However, we often hear news about directors of companies also being arrested for corruption...are they earning a low salary too?" he questioned.
Razaruddin said it was crucial for everyone to to educated in the importance of rejecting corruption.
He said the police had its own Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS) and heads of these departments in each district would act against those involved in malpractices.
"JIPS is not intended to treat police officers and members like criminals...its just that when they receive information, they conduct investigations before taking further action," he told reporters after conducting a walkabout around Pasar Pandamaran, Klang.
Razarudin was accompanied by his deputy, Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, along with the Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan.
When questioned about the possibility of revisiting criteria for recruiting police officers, Razarudin said, "Yes, we will discuss this matter."