Predator in Uniform: Policeman faces backlash for sexual harassment of photographer

SHAH ALAM - A policeman assigned to oversee a human rights protest is under investigation after being accused of making lewd gestures towards a female photographer during the event.

The photographer, identified as Intan (not her full name), shared her distressing experience in a social media post that went viral over the weekend. She recounted how, while documenting the protest on Friday, the cop repeatedly made obscene gestures at her.

"While photographing the protest, a policeman, in uniform and on duty, directed lewd gestures towards me, which I managed to capture on camera.

"He did it several times, seemingly ensuring that I noticed," Intan wrote in her post.

The incident occurred as Intan stood alone on the stairs of a pedestrian overpass.

She pointed out that the policeman's colleague, who was present, witnessed the actions but laughed it off.

Intan’s post, which included photographs of the policeman, sparked widespread public outrage.

In one of the images, the policeman was seen wearing what appeared to be a wedding ring, adding an ironic twist to the situation.

Explaining her decision to go public, Intan said she wanted to "denormalise" such behaviour and hold those responsible accountable.

"I am sharing this to expose and shame this kind of behaviour at all levels of society. This is unacceptable conduct from a policeman towards a civilian," she wrote.

She stressed that she was there to document a peaceful protest advocating for human rights, yet the officer chose to treat her like a sexual object.

"I was there to document a protest to save human lives and preserve human rights, and this officer had the audacity to behave this way," Intan added, describing the incident as sexual harassment.

The controversy escalated when another woman commented on Intan's post, claiming she had experienced similar harassment from the same officer in October.

The netizen alleged that when she filed a sexual assault report, the policeman—identified as Faris—harassed her by calling every day and making inappropriate moaning sounds during their conversations.

"He even asked me about the color and size of my private parts," the woman alleged, adding that she had refrained from reporting the matter earlier due to fear and trauma.

The woman also questioned whether the officer's actions were part of standard investigation procedures, casting doubt on his professionalism.

The case gained further attention when Kuala Lumpur's police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa confirmed an internal investigation into the policeman.

"We are aware of the allegations and have identified the man involved. An internal investigation is underway to determine the facts," Rusdi said in a statement on Saturday.

He encouraged other victims or witnesses to come forward, assuring the public that the investigation would be handled transparently.

The incident has triggered widespread condemnation, with many calling for better oversight of law enforcement personnel.

One Instagram user urged the police to be more discerning when selecting officers, stressing the need for integrity and professionalism. "Please @pdrmsia_official, be extra selective when choosing our supposed protectors," the user wrote.

Another user expressed concerns about accountability, saying, "Hope this case doesn’t fade away like other cases."

Several others highlighted how such behaviour erodes public trust in the police force and tarnishes the reputation of officers who serve with integrity.

"Police officers are supposed to protect citizens, not intimidate or harass them," one user said.