PDRM MUST PRIORITISE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH OF ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL

KUALA LUMPUR, March 1 (Bernama) -- 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 said the safety and well-being of police officers, who serve as frontliners in high-risk public areas, must be treated as a national priority.

"There have been 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.

"Such losses are deeply regrettable and must not be accepted as an inevitable occupational hazard," he said in a statement today.

Lee called on the police leadership to undertake a comprehensive and independent review of all existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) relating to enforcement operations, particularly those conducted on highways and busy urban roads.

He suggested that the review be carried out with the involvement of qualified OSH experts, road safety specialists and risk management professionals.

Lee said among the key areas to be examined are 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.

He said the key areas also include fatigue management to reduce human error, improvement in the rapid response protocols in case of emergency and the implementation of regular, independent OSH audits of enforcement practices.

“Safety must be built into every enforcement operation as a non-negotiable principle. A culture of safety within the police force will not only protect officers but also enhance public confidence in enforcement activities.

“As Chairman of the Alliance for a Safe Community, I firmly believe that protecting those who protect us is a shared responsibility. By strengthening OSH standards within the police force, we demonstrate our respect and appreciation for their service and sacrifice,” he said. 

Lee also said protecting enforcement personnel is a shared responsibility and that proactive measures taken today would safeguard the lives of those who protect the public.

-- BERNAMA