The recent directive from the Home Ministry, instructing police stations nationwide to close their gates from 10 pm daily as a precautionary measure following a fatal attack at the Ulu Tiram station in May 2024 recently, has sparked widespread public criticism.
This decision, although aimed at enhancing the safety of police personnel, has been met with significant backlash, with many arguing that it undermines the very essence of police presence and protection.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain sought to reassure the public that police stations will continue to provide their usual services despite the gate closure. He clarified that police stations will close their gates at 10 pm only if two personnel are on duty, primarily in remote and rural areas. He assured that this measure would not disrupt service delivery, and police stations would continue providing usual services.
“We will finalize the details with the Management Department before implementation. Closing the gates does not mean the stations are closed; they will still function and accept reports,” he said. At these stations, one officer will be at the control post and the other at the inquiry counter.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, while announcing the directive in Parliament, emphasized the need to balance community requirements with the safety of policemen on duty, acknowledging that police stations, while being places for the public to file complaints, are also potential targets for attacks.
The May 17, 2024, incident at the Ulu Tiram police station, where a 21-year-old assailant killed two constables and injured a third before being shot dead, was a tragic event that prompted the new security measures. Five family members of the attacker were later charged with inciting terrorism by spreading the Islamic State militant group’s ideology. Despite the gravity of this attack, the decision to close police station gates at night has not been well received by the public since the Home Minister announced the police station closure directive in Parliament.
Mohd Nasruddin Ismail, a 36-year-old company manager, expressed his shock at the announcement. He lamented that the directive sends a message of fear and incapability, suggesting that the police, despite being armed and trained, appear unable to protect themselves or the public. He even questioned the necessity of the police if they were perceived as fearful and incapable of self-defense.
Similarly, secondary school teacher Aminah Raz Ismail, 42, voiced her disbelief and concern over the directive. She highlighted that the move undermines the public's perception of the police as protectors, noting that her students were also troubled by this decision. Aminah pointed out that the Malaysian police force, with its long history dating back to 1807, should not be seen as unable to defend itself.
Retired army soldier S. Munusamy, 56, echoed these sentiments, stating that his friends within the police force are embarrassed by the Home Ministry's decision. He mentioned that this directive has led to police personnel being taunted with questions about their fear of the public, a situation that has left them without a satisfactory response. Munusamy also raised concerns about the negative impression this decision might create among tourists, potentially impacting Malaysia's image as a safe destination.
The directive to close police station gates at 10pm, while intended to protect police officers, has inadvertently cast doubt on the capability and confidence of the police force. Critics argue that it sends the wrong message, portraying the police as fearful and ineffective, which could have broader implications for public trust and safety perceptions.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the Home Ministry will reconsider this controversial decision in light of the public outcry and the need to maintain full public service.
By: Kpost
Information Source:
Kpost is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact Newswav.