The road transport department (JPJ) will expand the deployment of body-worn cameras, or bodycams for its enforcement officers this year, reported New Straits Times.
The department is in the process of procuring additional units which will be distributed to all state offices, said JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.
“Following a positive initial rollout that began in October last year, the department estimates more than 300 units will be added, with the total possibly reaching 500 units this year. The cameras help reassure the public regarding the integrity of officers while recording all movements and activities of enforcement personnel, as well as any issues that arise on the ground,” he said.
The initial roll-out of bodycams for JPJ saw 100 units of the body-worn cameras distributed in stages to state JPJ offices, with priority given to headquarters personnel who frequently take part in joint and high-risk operations.
Transport minister Anthony Loke said in January last year that JPJ personnel will be issued bodycams in 2025 in a bid to enhance enforcement transparency; JPJ director Azrin Borhan said that bodycam use by the state’s JPJ officers began in December. Meanwhile, PDRM officers have been issued bodycams for use in the field from October 2024.
“The use of body cameras not only protects the image and integrity of JPJ but also safeguards the officers themselves. As I have mentioned before, sometimes our officers face criticism, humiliation and various accusations. With the body camera, JPJ officers are protected, as any evidence during their enforcement actions can be captured,” Loke said in December.
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