IGP: Unfair to say cops cruel as they are just enforcing law
KUALA LUMPUR: Inspector- General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador regards the act of hurling various accusations at the police, to the extent that it has created a negative perception of the force, as perpetrated by individuals who want to be “popular”.
He said that the claims, such as the police being cruel for issuing hefty compounds, were inappropriate as every action taken by the police is in accordance with the Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 in an effort to break the Covid-19 chain of infection.
“People take advantage, some want to be popular, they throw all sorts of wild accusations and then hide their hands. An example is the case in Lahad Datu, where the police allegedly arrested many beggars there.
“Actually, Pala’u people can be seen begging at almost every traffic light there, so the police went to arrest them.
“In Sabah, the number of cases has dropped to 35 and we want to reduce it further.
“Therefore, the police must take action to prevent them from roaming around as they may be infected. But what came out in the news instead was that the police imposed a compound action of RM10,000 against them.
“The real story is we (police) arrested them under the Immigration Act and then handed them over to the Social Welfare Department.
“There was no compound issued... we know they can’t afford the compound. They don’t even have RM5, what more RM10,000.
“So to say that the police are cruel is indeed unfair.”
Likewise, he said, the case involving a man and his lover who were allegedly issued a compound of RM10,000 recently while dining in Cheras.
He said the action was not taken by the police, but by another government agency.
As such, he said, the public should be more mature and not simply accuse the police.
Any action taken by the police is in the people’s interest and to curb the spread of Covid-19, he said.
He said the action of the police, as enforcers of the law, was in accordance with Act 342 of the control of infectious diseases.
He also said the RM10,000 compound issue was discussed during the third wave of Covid-19 when new clusters emerged and began to spread in the community.
“The RM10,000 compound is not intended for first-time offenders, but for those who repeatedly violate standard operating procedures.”
He said those who feel they are not guilty and are victimised can appeal to the Health Ministry through the district Health office where the compound notice was issued.