MELAKA: A total of 147 policemen were dismissed last year, said federal police Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS) director Datuk Seri Azri Ahmad.
He said the majority of those dismissed were involved in drug-related offences and were convicted by the courts.
"Most cases involved an initial positive urine test, followed by a hospital pathologist confirmation of the second sample.
"Once confirmed positive, we proceeded to charge them in court.
"Following a guilty verdict, the action taken is dismissal from service," he told reporters at the handover of duties ceremony between outgoing Melaka Police Chief Datuk Zainol Samah and his deputy Datuk Md Nazri Zawawi at the state police contingent headquarters here today.
The ceremony also included the handover of duties for Police Family Association (Perkep) chair from Datin Sabariah Hashim to Datin Shahida Salleh.
Azri said police would not compromise with any officers or personnel involved in misconduct, as the force serves as a protector of the community.
"Public expectations of police are high, and we are committed to maintaining discipline among our officers and personnel.
"Those unfit to remain in the force will be removed," he said.- Bernama