SEPANG: The Customs Department has reported a decrease in integrity cases, including misconduct, corruption and abuse of power, since the body-worn camera (BWC) pilot project in August last year.
Its director-general, Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin, said the department had recorded a 38.46 per cent reduction in cases between August 2022 and July this year.
"The department recorded 13 cases between August 2022 and July 2023 prior to the introduction of BWCs.
"In contrast, the number of cases dropped to eight between August 2023 and July this year after the implementation of BWCs.
"This demonstrates the effectiveness of BWCs and their impact on improving officers' integrity," she said at the launch of BWCs for the department.
The department had acquired 60 BWCs on lease for 36 months as part of its pilot project to enhance daily enforcement duties.
Of the units, 24 will be alloted to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and 12 units each to the Enforcement Division headquarters, the Selangor Customs Department and the Johor Customs Department.
In a press conference later, Anis said RM1.59 million had been allocated by the Finance Ministry for the 60 BWCs.
She added that the department hoped for a return on investment for the funds provided by the ministry to ensure that the BWCs were effectively utilised.
"We hope that the implementation of this BWC pilot project over 36 months will lead to improvements in governance and management among Customs officers."
On whether the department planned to increase the use of BWCs among its personnel, Anis said she hoped that the government would provide additional funds for this purpose.
She said there were also plans to expand the use of BWCs at entry points.
"If these assets could be operated without technical issues, we are optimistic that more BWCs can be deployed at entry points across Malaysia.
"We hope to extend the use of BWCs to frontline personnel at entry points.
"However, any decision or review on this will be taken by the Malaysia Checkpoints and Border Agency as border control falls under its jurisdiction."
Anis said the use of BWCs saw an increase in revenue collection by RM1.12 million between 2023 and this year.
"The revenue collection from January to September 2023 was RM5.22 million, and for the same period in 2024, it increased to RM6.34 million, reflecting a rise of 21.46 per cent.
"Indirectly, the use of BWCs has contributed to the increase in revenue collection."
Last month, Anis had said the use of BWCs would deter integrity violations by its personnel in their daily duties.
She said the cameras would be worn by field personnel, particularly those in the enforcement division, to gather evidence in digital form.
She also said the department's use of BWCs aligned with the decision made at the cabinet's 10th Special Committee Meeting on Anti-Corruption.