Kuala lumpur: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) must give urgent and serious attention to the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) of its enforcement personnel to prevent avoidable injuries and fatalities during operations. Alliance for a Safe Community Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye emphasised that the safety and well-being of police officers, who serve as frontliners in high-risk public areas, must be treated as a national priority.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lee highlighted several tragic incidents in recent years where police officers were seriously injured or lost their lives while performing enforcement duties during roadblocks, traffic operations, and crime prevention assignments. He expressed regret over such losses and stated they must not be accepted as inevitable occupational hazards.
Lee urged the police leadership to undertake a comprehensive and independent review of all existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to enforcement operations, particularly those conducted on highways and busy urban roads. He suggested the review be carried out with the involvement of qualified OSH experts, road safety specialists, and risk management professionals.
Key areas to be examined include the location and design of roadblocks to ensure proper visibility and buffer zones, the use of high-visibility protective gear, and better coordination of traffic control measures with highway concessionaires. Fatigue management, improvement in rapid response protocols in case of emergencies, and the implementation of regular, independent OSH audits of enforcement practices are also crucial.
Lee stressed that safety should be an integral part of every enforcement operation, enhancing public confidence in enforcement activities. As Chairman of the Alliance for a Safe Community, he believes that protecting those who protect the public is a shared responsibility. Strengthening OSH standards within the police force demonstrates respect and appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
Lee further remarked that protecting enforcement personnel is a shared responsibility and that proactive measures taken today would safeguard the lives of those who protect the public.