PETALING JAYA: Experts and the general public have raised concerns over Road Transport Department (RTD) officers carrying civvies when finishing up operations.
The matter got here to gentle after a video was circulated on social media, which confirmed a coach driver refusing to cooperate with officers who had been in plainclothes as he thought they had been robbers.
Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua mentioned finishing up undercover operations in civvies to guide offenders is efficient.
“Non-uniformed officers can observe and collect proof of unlawful actions, strengthening their case towards offenders. However, being in civvies throughout operations raises concerns about impersonators.”
Law mentioned in such eventualities, the general public could also be unwilling to cooperate if stopped as they could not obey orders from enforcement officers in civvies.
“Authorities use numerous strategies to make sure individuals comply with the legislation and maintain the roads secure. Being in civvies is one in every of these methods, however it isn’t at all times your best option as it may additionally result in defensive responses and unsafe highway circumstances.”
Law mentioned officers should contemplate the dangers posed to highway customers when finishing up operations in civvies.
“Transparency and accountability are additionally compromised when officers will not be in uniform. Without the visible cue, guaranteeing accountability turns into considerably more difficult.”
Lawyer Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo mentioned there is no such thing as a authorized requirement for officers to put on uniforms throughout operations.
She mentioned beneath Section 123(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), each police and highway transport officer, or site visitors warden, if not in uniform, can declare his workplace and produce paperwork to determine his id, on demand, to any particular person whom he’s performing towards beneath the Act.
She mentioned failure to take action could erode public belief and compromise the integrity of legislation enforcement efforts.
Truck driver Muhammad Rizal Abdul Ghani, 44, mentioned officers are devoted to their work, however he expressed “grave concern” after they perform operations in civvies.
“When we park our lorries at relaxation areas, we’re susceptible to theft and robberies. Criminals goal these areas and distant spots, particularly at night time to steal our cargo, gas and private gadgets. We additionally face the hazard of encountering aggressive individuals, placing us susceptible to hurt or assault.”
On the concerns raised by Rizal, Kokila Vaani mentioned officers should revisit its undercover strategies and implement measures to make sure public security.
“These embrace clear pointers for officers to establish themselves when required, and accountability mechanisms to deal with circumstances of misconduct.”
She mentioned whereas the RTD’s dedication to highway security is commendable, it have to be balanced with transparency and accountability.
“Instead of being in civvies, officers might prioritise public security by growing patrols in susceptible areas and implementing efficient communication methods to interact with the group. To perform patrols successfully, the division can use its communication channels to replace its officers on patrol priorities and potential threats.”
Kokila Vaani mentioned implementing a centralised system for reporting and monitoring incidents may help guarantee patrols are knowledgeable promptly. The division’s director-general Rospiagos Taha couldn’t be reached for remark.
