Police expected to use body cameras this year: Saifuddin

SHAH ALAM - Police officers are expected to use body cameras starting this year.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said it was an effort by the ministry to increase integrity among the law enforcement department.

"The budget has been prepared. Insya-Allah if there is no roadblocks, the police force, patrol unit, traffic division and even the special forces would be fitted with cameras.

"This is our effort in preparation to use the technology. That is what I meant by raising integrity, trying to overcome weaknesses. This will be our continuous effort,” he said.

He said this during a Town Hall session organised by Sinar Harian held at Kumpulan Karangkraf on Monday.

The government previously approved RM30 million allocation for body cameras under the First Rolling Plan (RP1) 2021 (RMK-12) for the daily use for police officers.

The body cameras will be used by police on duty mainly for Mobile Patrol Vehicle and motorcycle patrol units (URB) as well as street patrols in 157 district police headquarters (IPD) throughout the country.

He said a total of 7,648 body cameras would be obtained with an estimated cost of RM2,000 to RM2,500 per unit.

Saifuddin said the purpose of these cameras is to improve on the public’s trust towards law enforcement besides collectiong evidence if anything happens.

"We are not looking for an excuse that the police force shouldn’t be supervised. The police welcomed this decision. This is an ongoing effort to improve enforcement agencies,” he said.