Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission Chief, Latheefa Koya welcomes the idea of having law enforcers in the country to wear body camera’s while on duty. She sees the use of camera’s can be beneficial for all parties, as it will portray the police force as being more transparent and fair in their duty.

Latheefa mentioned the use of these camera’s by Police officers, imigration and customs that is being recommended by MACC is to overcome the various abuse of power cases piling up against the police and could even reduce corruption incidents in the country. There should be no concern on privacy as the transparent intention of the whole initiative involves the right of all Malaysians.

Officers wearing the camera’s should ensure the units are working while on duty and must be taken action against if they are caught not functioning. As non funtioning camera’s can raise suspicion on the police officer or the department and could even raise credibility if cases come up where no video evidence is submitted.

The use of these devices can be seen as a protection tool for the public as they would feel less threatened and law enforcers can use video footage to protect themselves against allegations. Recordings will have conversations from both parties where both version of the story can be heard and if there is any case of abuse by the authority, the courts can use the recordings as proof.

European and American law enforcement agencies already use body cams in their daily operation, the introduction to Malaysian officers comes after the many cases on police abuse reported over the years. Deaths in police custody is alarmingly high and the perception on police brutality is at an all time high, the requirement to use body camera could be a way to deter abuse and bring credibility back to the police force.