GEORGE TOWN – People have the right to not allow police to raid their premises, but they can be charged under the Penal Code for obstructing the authorities from carrying out their duties.
In addressing a video that went viral, Penang police chief Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said while owners may allow or refuse police from entering the premises, officers also have the right to conduct raids without a warrant, especially when it involves arrests.
“However, in this case, the owner of the premises finally allowed police inside and provided good cooperation,” he said during a press conference today.
Yesterday, The Vibes had reported that police have clarified that it is indeed their officers who were involved in an alleged raid at a high-end condominium here, where the female occupant prevented the officers from entering the premises.
The incident, which was broadcast live on Facebook, showed the woman preventing police from entering the premises for up to 60 minutes.
She even brought children to the door to show the officers that there is no “dangerous” person inside.
On how this issue can be addressed and informed to the public so that similar instances do not recur, Shuhaily said the matter will need to be communicated by Bukit Aman.
“This matter has been raised for a long time. But in my opinion, it needs to be coordinated by the Bukit Aman public relations officer, so the community knows the actual procedure when handling police presence at their respective premises.” – The Vibes, July 14, 2021
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