By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 24: Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing has called for a mandatory requirement for senior-ranking officers, such as sergeants, to be present during police roadblocks or checks to uphold disciplinary integrity and deter misconduct in the wake of a disturbing incident involving an allegedly extorted and harassed female tourist.
In a statement posted on his social media today while abroad on official duty, Tiong criticised the decision to merely reassign the officer involved in the case, calling it “unconvincing to the public”, particularly as the officer’s behaviour reportedly bordered on sexual harassment.
“How can such a serious matter be dealt with so lightly?
“I urge the Royal Malaysian Police to take this matter seriously and ensure every officer strictly upholds discipline and professional conduct. This is essential not only to restore public trust and the reputation of the police force but also to demonstrate Malaysia’s firm commitment to safeguarding the safety and dignity of all tourists, whether local or foreign,” he said.
Tiong revealed that he has instructed the Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry to follow up with Bukit Aman for further details and will continue to monitor the developments closely to ensure justice is served for the victim.
He also pledged to consult the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) personally upon his return to Malaysia and initiate substantive discussions on strengthening tourist protections, including improving the visibility and effectiveness of the Tourism Police.
Tiong further urged all travellers to report any misconduct to the police and notify the Ministry, assuring that his Ministry will provide assistance to the best of its ability.
“I also urge everyone not to lose confidence in Malaysian tourism because of one isolated case,” he said.
On July 18, it was reported that police have launched an investigation into a viral claim made by a Taiwanese woman alleging she was extorted by police officers during a roadblock in SS2, Petaling Jaya in Kuala Lumpur.
Petaling Jaya District Police chief ACP Shahrulnizam Jaafar said the Facebook account owner, a Taiwanese national, alleged that she was stopped at a police roadblock and was extorted by officers on duty.
Shahrulnizam also confirmed that the identity of the officers involved has been established and that investigations are ongoing. — DayakDaily
