JASIN: The government is set to expand the use of body-worn cameras (BWC) among police officers in departments and units that directly interact with the public.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that this initiative followed the successful implementation of a pilot project by the traffic police and patrol teams.
He said that wearing BWCs had proven to enhance transparency among law enforcement officers during their duties.
"I have directly interacted with officers wearing BWCs, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. They report feeling more confident in carrying out their tasks, as they do not feel their actions are being scrutinised by superiors; there's nothing to hide. In fact, they see the use of cameras as an added value to their performance," he said after presenting certificates to the Rela Siswa Siswi Brigade (Relasis) 2024 at Politeknik Merlimau today.
Also present were Rela director-general Datuk Yahya Sulaiman, Dr Zamzam Mohd Walid from the Polytechnic and Community College Education (JPPKK), and the director of Politeknik Merlimau, Norizam Sekak.
According to a Letter of Acceptance (SST) issued by the Home Ministry, the police department has begun receiving 7,648 BWCs in phases, starting in September and continuing through February next year.
These cameras will be assigned to the Patrolling Unit and the Motorcycle Patrolling Unit under the Department of Crime Prevention and Community Safety, with plans to extend their use to the Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department.
The cameras will be deployed across 157 District Police Headquarters (IPD) and 640 police stations nationwide, with gradual implementation beginning in October.
Saifuddin said that the use of BWCs would not only enhance the efficiency of police officers but also strengthen their credibility, reinforcing the integrity that had long characterised the security forces.
"They have welcomed this initiative, which is set to improve both the capabilities of the force and the quality of their services. The Home Ministry, in collaboration with the police, will continue to monitor the use of BWCs, with plans to expand their implementation, particularly among officers in units that interact directly with the public," he added.