KUALA LUMPUR – The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have found elements of corruption in connection with smuggling activities at the border recently.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said he had instructed Bukit Aman’s Integrity and Standard Compliance Department to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter.
He said the department has been instructed to investigate several allegations and consider the evidence obtained, adding that there have been irregularities among members of the General Operations Force (GOF) working at the country’s borders.
“This problem has been going on since last year, the National Security Council has revealed a video involving GOF officers and members who were found to be conspiring and failed to act against smugglers.
“I have issued warnings from the beginning to stop these activities and out of this, some who are brave and willing have come forward to channel information to me about these bad practices (smuggling involving GOF). We will take immediate and stern action,” he said at a press conference in Bukit Aman here yesterday.
In another development, Hamid said 10 departments, including the Criminal Investigation and Narcotics Criminal Investigation Departments and the Special Branch, have been instructed to address corruption and abuse of power among its officers and members.
“I have ordered holistic action to be taken involving 10 departments in the force, including the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department.
“These 10 (departments) will work together to act against any officer or member. I will ensure that those who live luxuriously by amassing wealth through wrongful ways will have their ill-gotten gains confiscated and returned to the country’s coffers,” he said.
Hamid also admitted that corruption has tarnished PDRM’s image and damaged the country.
“There are many police officers found to have been bribed (by smuggling syndicates) and many of them have also been subjected to disciplinary action.
“At the same time, they (smugglers) have been stealing the nation’s revenues in the form of duties and taxes,” he said.
It was reported yesterday that a GOF member was arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle in three migrants through the Kalimantan-Sarawak border in Tebakang, about 70km from Kuching, Sarawak. – Bernama, December 11, 2020
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