MP questions delayed police body-camera rollout and alleged misconduct
During a budget debate, MP Lim asked why police have not met the 2025 body-camera target and raised complaints of illegal searches and extortion.
In a discussion of the 2027 budget, MP Lim highlighted a 2023 promise by home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail that all police would be equipped with body cameras by early 2025. With 2026 now in its fourth quarter, Lim asked the government to explain the shortfall. He also raised allegations that some officers have conducted unwarranted mobile-phone searches and extorted cash from citizens, including foreign visitors lacking passports.
Lim called for the police to disclose the number of complaints received, how many officers have been investigated, prosecuted or dismissed, and whether any officers have refused to wear or have deliberately disabled the cameras. He urged the establishment of a firm timeline, clear storage and access rules for footage, and penalties for tampering, emphasizing that police must earn public respect.
Why it matters
The issue tests government accountability for police reform and public trust in law enforcement.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTCentrist coverage stresses the delayed rollout and alleged police misconduct, while right-leaning coverage emphasizes the deployment numbers and calls for legal clarity and transparency.
CENTER
Centrist coverage frames the story as a parliamentary push to expose delays in the body-camera rollout and alleged police abuse, demanding accountability and clear rules.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames the story as lawmakers seeking an update on the rollout’s progress and legal clarity, highlighting deployment figures and transparency measures.
The right emphasises
- Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng reminded the Home Ministry of the October 2023 pledge for cameras by Q1 2025.
- As of June 2025, 7,648 officers had received cameras, with 10,000 more earmarked under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
- He called for legal clarity on police searches and suggested elected officials be allowed to observe raids to boost transparency.
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