KUALA LUMPUR: Police confirmed today (Oct 9) that they are looking into pictures and clips circulated on social media showing policemen smoking in public at various eateries.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said police are in the process of identifying when the incidents occurred.
"We first need to check if the incidents occurred recently or if the images were just being recirculated.
"That said, if we find that these are fresh images and videos, we will identify those involved," he said when contacted on Wednesday.
The post which was circulated on X shows two policemen sitting down at a table by the roadside with one of them holding a cigarette in his hand.
Several other videos and images were also retweeted under that post.
One of the clips shows a policeman puffing away while his colleague eats food.
Another image of a senior officer sitting at a table with a cigarette in his hand was also shared.
Under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004, those caught smoking in dining areas may be liable to fines of up to RM10,000 or up to two years in jail.
Restaurant owners also risk RM5,000 fine or up to a year in jail.
Razarudin warned his personnel to abide by the law or face stern action.
"In such cases, disciplinary action can be taken if they are found committing such acts.
"Our personnel must remember that they represent us as a whole and any misconduct or criminal offences committed reflects badly on the entire police force," he said.
Razarudin also warned that while disciplinary action could be taken against those who were found guilty of misconduct, their superiors might also face action under Rule 3C of the Public Officers Regulations (Conduct and Discipline) 1993.
"Senior personnel must set a good example for their subordinates to follow," he said.
Meanwhile, Federal Integrity and Standards Compliance Department director Datuk Seri Azri Ahmad when contacted his department would conduct a parallel investigation in the event that a violation of regulations was identified and a compound or summons was issued to the personnel.
"In this instance, we need to identify the personnel first, the location of the offence and the date the offence was recorded," he said.