KUALA LUMPUR: The Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) Bill which was passed in the Dewan Rakyat earlier this year will be enforced in June next year.
"We have spoken about this and it will come into force in (June) next year," said Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He was speaking at a press conference after a working visit at Bukit Aman Police Headquarters here today.
IPPC replaced the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).
Consisting of seven members including a chairman and a deputy chairman, the commission will be an independent oversight body to improve integrity, reduce misconduct and promote public confidence in the force.
The commission will have powers to advise the government on enhancing police officers' wellbeing, visit any premises related to the police force, receive, assess and investigate a written complaint of misconduct, collect evidence related to the misconduct and make recommendations for disciplinary actions against the policeman or officer involved.
On an unrelated matter, Saifuddin said there was no plan to review the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma).
He said Sosma seemed better than the Internal Security Act (ISA) and emergency ordinance as it allows the legal procedures to carry on following the arrest of the people under the Act.
"People keep comparing Sosma with other preventative laws even though it is not a (preventive law).
"As of now, all the processes are adhered to. But now, we should focus on the fact that Sosma detainees do not always end up behind bars.
"The basis of the law is to maintain security and public order and this is based on intelligence we gather. It justifies the arrest made," he said.
On yet another matter, he said the ministry will expedite the procurement of body cameras for police.
He stressed for a need to utilise technology for the police daily affairs after a RM30 million allocation was approved for the procurement.
"After the budget allocation, it must be followed up with the procurement. We hope any delay can be resolved," he said.
Former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had announced that the government allocated RM30 million for the device in March last year.
The then Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin had also said the procurement was at a final stage and it would be purchased through the ePerolehan (procurement) system.
Yesterday, Health Ministry enforcement officers, especially those under the Public Health and Pharmacy Programme, became the first agency to kickstart the use of body-worn cameras or bodycams to ensure transparency and safeguard their welfare.