Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail warns against premature judgement of police actions in a viral arrest video, confirming a fast-tracked investigation is underway.
PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has urged the public not to rush to conclusions following a viral video depicting a policeman allegedly stepping on a suspect’s head during an arrest in Kulim, Kedah.
Speaking to the press after a contract signing ceremony for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Saifuddin confirmed that an investigation is currently underway to establish whether standard operating procedures (SOPs) were followed.
He revealed that he has been in contact with the Kedah Police Chief to ensure the probe is fast-tracked.
He emphasised that while the footage may appear incriminating, the full context must be considered.
“Any enforcement action by the police is guided by established SOPs. We cannot pass judgement based solely on a few seconds of video, as there may have been preceding events that were not captured on camera,” Saifuddin said.
He added that any further disciplinary measures, including a review by the Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS), would depend entirely on the findings of the investigation.
The controversy stems from a 29-second clip that began circulating on social media on April 20. The footage shows a suspect being pulled from his motorcycle before a policeman is seen stepping on the individual’s head during the struggle.
Providing context to the arrest, Kulim Deputy Police Chief DSP Tengku Mohd Faisal Tengku Yeng explained that the incident followed a high-speed pursuit.
The 32-year-old suspect was initially stopped at Jalan Sungai Ular at approximately 11am, but he allegedly kicked a police motorcycle and fled the scene.
After a five-kilometre chase, the suspect was apprehended. A subsequent search led to the discovery of two plastic packets believed to contain ketum juice. An initial urine test reportedly returned a positive result for methamphetamine.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952, Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
