Recently, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain reportedly said the police can check someone’s phone if they suspect or have information about the person being involved in a crime.
BERNAMA reported that Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail asked Tan Sri Razarudin Husain to give a clear explanation about this from the law enforcement’s point of view.
Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain
In response to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (SUHAKAM) statement that police cannot randomly check a person’s phone during roadblocks, as it violates human rights.
In a press conference, he expressed scepticism over such actions, emphasising that PDRM officers are not allowed to inspect mobile phones without valid reasons.
For illustration purposes only
That said, Saifuddin acknowledged that phone checks may sometimes be necessary, but they must be supported by solid intelligence and cannot be conducted arbitrarily.
“If PDRM isn’t allowed to check mobile phones, how can we act when there’s information about someone being involved in criminal activities like terrorism?” he explained.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail
PDRM and SUHAKAM to discuss the issue
Saifuddin Nasution said anyone who feels their privacy was violated because of this can file a report for an investigation to be done, as reported by BERNAMA.
On January 13, Razarudin mentioned that PDRM has the authority to check phones under Section 23(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, which is meant to ensure there’s no obscene, offensive, threatening, or harmful content in communications.
PDRM and SUHAKAM are also planning to meet soon to discuss the issue of police checking people’s mobile phones.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know down in the comments!
Also read: Inspector-General: PDRM Officers Authorised to Check Phones Without a Warrant
