The government has been urged to provide insurance coverage to police personnel who are at risk in the course of duty.

Deputy inspector-general of police Noor Rashid Ibrahim said police officers also have difficulties obtaining insurance coverage on their own due to their nature of work.

“The career of a police officer is unique and risky. A traffic cop is exposed to greater risk of accident while a criminal investigation officer risks being attacked by criminals.

“We need to have insurance coverage so that when an accident occurs, they are covered and receive compensation. The matter should be looked at comprehensively including protection from diseases.

“We want to see the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) being given the same treatment as other services. If it can not be done soon, we hope it could be implemented in the future,” he said.

Noor Rashid was speaking at a media conference after a Deputy Inspector-General of Police Dialogue Session with the exco members of senior officers, officers and the rank and file police associations of Pahang police contingent in Kuantan today.

On the announcement that the government has established an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), Noor Rashid said police had appointed officers to brief all its members.

“PDRM will not compromise on the misconduct of officers and personnel, more so when they are serious offences. Nonetheless, all actions taken against them must be based on the rule of law and justice.

“We pledge to give the best service, and it should be balanced with the demand on welfare which could be met by the government.

“PDRM's top leadership will also continue to stamp out the bad apples in the force... we do not want to keep officers who tarnish the image of police by committing something which is not in line with our principles and responsibilities,” he said.

In another development, Noor Rashid did not rule out the possibility of calling PAS treasurer in the investigation that the party had allegedly received money from Umno linked to funds misappropriated from 1MDB.

Describing the case as requiring attention but not urgent, Noor Rashid said calling the party treasurer up and obtaining a copy of the party’s account is a normal procedure in an investigation on political party funds.

Commenting on the whereabouts of Low Taek Jho or Jho Low, Noor Rashid said police have information on where the businessperson is.

“But we have to follow the legal procedure of the country… we cannot enter as we wish, we have to follow the diplomatic processes,” he said.

- Bernama