By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 25: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin has stressed that the public’s right to lodge police reports must be fully respected at all times, warning that any refusal or delay is unacceptable.
He said recent statements by the leadership of the Royal Malaysia Police, including the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), have made it clear that officers cannot refuse to accept reports under any circumstances.
The issue came to light following a case involving a vulnerable resident in his constituency.
Yap said the individual, a person with disabilities (OKU), is caring for four underaged children while his wife is unemployed, with the family relying entirely on monthly welfare assistance.
He said he personally accompanied the individual to lodge a police report required by Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) to open a bank account.
“The report was necessary to facilitate the continuation of his RM450 monthly welfare aid after his BSN account was closed due to complications involving inactive accounts in other banks, which were allegedly flagged for mule account activity,” he said in a statement today.
Yap emphasised that in such cases, any delay or refusal to accept a police report can have immediate consequences on livelihoods.
“Lodging a police report is a fundamental right and an essential step in ensuring that assistance reaches those in need. No one, especially the most vulnerable, should be denied this right,” he added.
He added that any attempt to refuse, delay or discourage the making of a police report may constitute a breach of duty.
“Public confidence in law enforcement depends on accessibility, transparency and professionalism. The police must remain approachable and responsive to all members of society, regardless of background or circumstance,” he said.
Yap reiterated that directives from the IGP affirm that no individual should be denied the opportunity to lodge a police report, adding that he remains committed to ensuring no one is left behind, particularly those most in need. — DayakDaily
