Police officers risk disciplinary action if they fail to wear or activate body-worn cameras while on duty.
In a Harian Metro report, Bukit Aman logistics and technology department director Sahabudin Abd Manan said the more than 7,000 cameras deployed for policemen across the country are intended to safeguard the police force’s credibility.
“Recordings from the cameras can also be used as evidence in court,” he said.
Sahabudin said priority for the devices will be given to patrol and traffic enforcement units.
He also said police planned to apply for an additional 10,000 body cameras next year.
Last week, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry will provide about 600 body-worn cameras for use by immigration officers as part of efforts to improve the agency’s integrity and transparency.
This follows a broader nationwide rollout of body-worn cameras, with over 7,000 units deployed across 157 police district headquarters and 640 police stations this year.
Last October, the customs department said the use of body-worn cameras for its officers had resulted in a 38.5% reduction in misconduct, corruption and cases of abuse of power between Aug 1, 2023 and July 31, 2024.
