PUTRAJAYA – All Road Transport Department (RTD) enforcement officers are now equipped with body-worn cameras (BWC) to enhance integrity, transparency and protect them from false accusations or baseless allegations while carrying out their duties.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said a total of 100 body cameras will be used in the initial phase, involving enforcement officers at the RTD headquarters and state offices, with an allocation of RM2.3 million.
“This initiative is a strategic move by the Transport Ministry and RTD to strengthen enforcement effectiveness, as well as to enhance integrity and transparency in public service,” he said at a press conference, here, today.
He said the use of BWC demonstrated RTD’s commitment to evidence-based enforcement, ensuring that every action in the field can be recorded, reviewed and monitored objectively.
“We know that when we carry out enforcement operations, there will be threats and accusations and some would claim that RTD officers are trying to take bribes and so on.
“That’s why I’ve instructed that officers assigned to special operations be equipped with cameras and firearms to ensure their safety,” he said.
He said the move not only protects officers from false accusations but also serves as evidence in cases of misconduct or non-compliance by road users.
Loke also issued a stern warning to motorists not to act aggressively towards enforcement officers performing their duties.
“I want to remind all motorists not to behave aggressively. Every action will be recorded and if there is any attempt to physically assault RTD officers, criminal action will be taken,” he said.
He added that all body-worn cameras will be activated as soon as officers report for duty and cannot be switched off until their assignments are completed.
He said if an officer turns off the camera without a valid reason, they must report it and it will be investigated by their superior.
Loke said the implementation of BWCs would serve as a catalyst for transforming the work culture in enforcement, boost public confidence in RTD's transparency and strengthen the governance of public service delivery.
“This reflects RTD's commitment to carrying out its duties firmly, professionally and with high integrity in line with the aspirations of the Madani government,” he said.