Protect yourself with these 15 “must-know” basic rights as provided by The Malaysian Bar.
#KKaalai
1 If he’s not in uniform, politely ask for identification
2. If the card is red, the officer does not have any authority over you
3. If the officer is uniformed, take note of his/her name and ID number
4. You’re not obligated to answer anything more than your name, ID card number, and home address.
5. You’ll need to obey the officer’s instructions when he’s trying to carry out his duty
6. If you’re being arrested, ask ‘for what charge’ or ‘under what Act’
7. If you’re unsure what circumstance you’re in, be sure to remain silent
8. The police officer must immediately take you to the police station and no where else
9. You have the right to make a phone call when you’re being arrested
10. You can only be detained for up to 24 hours for investigation
11. During raids, the police can search your body/bags without arrest
12. Do not allow any police officer to put his hands into your pockets or bags
13. Body searches must be done with decency
14. Ladies CAN ONLY be searched by a female police officer
15. You are advised to call a nearby Legal Aid Centre (LAC) if you are arrested. These are their contact numbers:
• Kuala Lumpur : 03-2691 3005 / 03-2693 2072
• Selangor : 03-5510 7007 / 03-3281 2428
• Negeri Sembilan : 06-6013 844
• Melaka : 06-2845 519 / 06-2864 514
• Johor : 07-2235 698
• Perak : 05-2550 523
• Kedah & Perlis : 04-7333 467
• Kelantan : 04-7448 660
• Pahang : 09-5159 244 / 09-2969 410
• Pulau Pinang : 04-2617 451/ 04-3108 451
Source: FB post by THR Raaga Malaysia