PETALING JAYA, January 17 – Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain clarified that police officers are authorised to check a person’s mobile phone if there is suspicion or information suggesting involvement in a crime. Speaking in response to a viral video questioning the police’s actions during a recent arrest, Razarudin emphasised that such checks must be carried out prudently and in accordance with legal provisions.
Razarudin explained that laws such as the Criminal Procedure Code and the Communications and Multimedia Act grant police the authority to access mobile phones under certain circumstances. Specifically, Sections 233 and 249 of the Communications and Multimedia Act allow for inspection of phones, while Section 116B of the Criminal Procedure Code permits access when a crime is suspected.
Additionally, Section 20(g) of the Police Act requires individuals to display information upon request, and Section 23(1) provides grounds for checks to ensure phones do not contain threatening or obscene content. Only police officers with the rank of inspector or higher are authorised to conduct such inspections. If a crime, such as illegal online gambling, is detected, the police can make an arrest without a warrant under the Open Gambling Houses Act 1953.
Razarudin noted that phones may also be seized for further investigation if delaying a search would risk the destruction of evidence. The IGP urged the public to cooperate during such procedures, cautioning that failure to comply could result in arrest for obstruction. He reassured that all phone checks must align with existing legal frameworks and be relevant to ongoing investigations or criminal suspicions.
