KUALA LUMPUR: The Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) has received 529 reports of misconduct, corruption and criminal cases related to police from various parties since the commission was established in July last year.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said these statistics were recorded by the commission up to Nov 22, following 195 visits to police facilities nationwide.
"To date, the IPCC has conducted 195 visits to police facilities, including six contingent headquarters.
"The commission has received 529 complaints, including 140 outstanding complaints from before the IPCC Act 2022 came into effect and the categories of complaints must be managed according to the Act.
"If the complaint involves an area under the jurisdiction of corruption, the IPCC must channel it to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), whereas clear criminal matters must be referred to the police.
"However, if the complaint meets the necessary criteria and complies with the interpretation (of police conduct), the IPCC will proceed accordingly," he said in a press conference after the launch of the IPCC, Police, Friends and Collaborators (IPFC) event today.
Present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
Saifuddin added that the commission had also established standard operating procedures (SOPs) to receive complaints and conduct investigations.
He also said the IPCC had established the Complaints and Investigation Management System to manage complaints more efficiently.
"This system also assists in coordinating investigations and gathering information. The IPCC's role is not only as a mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints but also for recommending improvements to the police, ensuring the welfare of police officers, and building public trust in the country's enforcement agencies."
He added that the IPCC was currently in the process of drafting regulations under the Act, including the interpretation of ministerial powers.
"(We need to understand) what regulations interpret the powers granted to the minister under this Act. What provisions or authorisations does it give the minister to exercise these powers?
"Therefore, the IPCC is preparing regulations to interpret these powers, including cases related to sexual crimes, serious injuries, and deaths in custody or while under police care," he said.
On issues identified within the police force, Saifuddin said these include procurement and assignment processes.
Following this, he added that the commission had suggested improvements to procurement methods to ensure the best value and had recommended reviewing the assignment of police officers by aligning their roles with core responsibilities, such as investigation, intelligence and public safety.
"Additionally, the IPCC emphasises its role in enhancing the well-being of police officers through engagement sessions and roundtable discussions with experts from various fields," he said.