KUALA LUMPUR: Body-worn cameras will help deter integrity violations by Customs Department personnel in their daily duties.
Its director-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin in a statement said the cameras were designed to be worn by field personnel, especially those from the enforcement division, to gather evidence in digital form.
"In line with the decision of the Cabinet's tenth Special Committee Meeting on Anti-Corruption (JKKMAR), the department was instructed to use these cameras in daily tasks.
"The move is aimed at improving the level of integrity of officers as well as increase enforcement activities including intelligence in stemming the leakage of national revenue through the prevention of smuggling activities," she said.
Anis said the equipment would be utilised by frontline officers at the country's main entry points and officers in the enforcement division who carry out operations.
She said it would also add the 'fear factor' so that there was no abuse of power and misconduct among officers.
"This is because, the recordings can be used as evidence if there are such issues that arise.
"Based on department records, there were nine cases of complaints made involving the misconduct of officers in the field before the cameras were used.
"However, since the cameras have been used since October 2023, the data shows a decrease in cases with only five complaints lodged against officers.
"Our department has always responded to the call of the Malaysian government for every ministry and department to improve governance through digitisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
"Therefore, we will move in line with the latest technological advances and stand on par with the current digital circulation," she said.