Kuala lumpur: The Home Ministry (KDN) has clarified that the implementation of extra drills or field duties within the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is not intended as a form of physical punishment but is aimed at fostering discipline among police personnel.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah emphasized that these measures are conducted under Paragraph 32 of the Inspector-General of Police's Standing Orders (PT KPN) A110 on Discipline, specifically for addressing minor offences. He stated that field duties are designed to instill discipline, build character, and encourage behavioral change rather than inflict harm.
Addressing a query from Roy Angau Gingkoi (GPS-Lubok Antu) in the Dewan Rakyat, Shamsul Anuar explained the standard operating procedure for extra drills, especially following the death of a policeman in Sepang in May. He highlighted a new administrative directive issued by the PDRM Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS) on June 29, which mandates the use of a health assessment form to enhance existing procedures.
Shamsul Anuar noted that current regulations restrict field duties to a maximum of four hours per day and no more than five days. Supervising officers are tasked with ensuring the drills are conducted safely, considering factors such as the personnel's health, physical condition, and environmental conditions.
In response to concerns that extra drills are imposed only on lower-ranking personnel, Shamsul Anuar clarified that Paragraph 32 of the Inspector-General of Police's Standing Orders is specifically for junior officers as an alternative to formal disciplinary action. He rejected any allegations of favoritism, stating that disciplinary actions against senior officers are subject to legal provisions aligned with their service category.
When questioned by Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) about potential bullying or ragging, Shamsul Anuar assured that all disciplinary measures follow a strict process and are not left to the discretion of superior officers.