PUTRAJAYA, Jan 19 — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) will hold a meeting soon to discuss police checks on mobile phones of the public.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has tasked Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain to provide a clear explanation from a law enforcement perspective.
“PDRM cannot inspect mobile phones without valid reasons. Such actions must be based on intelligence and cannot be carried out arbitrarily.
“If PDRM is not permitted to check mobile phones, how can we respond if there is information about an individual involved in criminal activities such as terrorism?” he told a press conference after inspecting preparations for the Asia International Security Summit and Expo 2025 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here today.
He was responding to a Suhakam statement yesterday, which said police cannot arbitrarily check a person’s mobile phone during roadblocks, as it is considered a violation of human rights.
On Monday, Razarudin reportedly said police have the authority to check people’s mobile phones if there is suspicion or credible information regarding a person suspected of committing an offence.
This power is granted under Section 23(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, which ensures no communication contains obscene, offensive, threatening, or harmful content.
Saifuddin Nasution added that anyone who believes their privacy has been violated due to such actions can lodge a report so an investigation to be conducted.
— Bernama
