POLICE personnel are not letting the Covid-19 pandemic stop them from carrying out their role of protecting the public.

Since the start of the pandemic in February, about 200 police personnel have tested positive for Covid-19 and 10,000 placed under self-quarantine.

Bukit Aman Management Department director Ramli Din told The Malaysian Insight that despite the worrying trend, his men and women in blue are still valorous.

They have been told to prioritise personal hygiene and self-control every time they are tasked with performing checks.

“Of course, the danger is real, but their morale is still high. We at the federal headquarters will always remind our officers from the state to district level to be vigilant and follow a strict standard operating procedure at every time.

“We are not too worried because we believe that we have set a high standard for our men and women to follow. We follow the SOP that has been set up by the government strictly,” said Ramli.

Earlier this week, Ramli said to date, a total of 161 police officers and personnel, including their family members, have tested positive for Covid-19.

Among them are 17 senior police officers, 91 low-ranking personnel, five civilian personnel and 48 family members.

Prior to Ramli’s revelation, Home Minister Hamzah Zainuddin on Tuesday said more than 10,000 policemen, including officers, have been in quarantine.

At least 200 personnel have been treated for Covid-19, said Hamzah.

The high rate of infection among policemen, who are on the front-lines and closest to the public, is affecting their ability to do their work, he said.

There are more than 100,000 police personnel in the country.

Since the outbreak in late February, the police have led other security agencies, including the army, to perform checks and set up roadblocks to monitor the public’s movement.

Previously, Bukit Aman said the Kuala Lumpur contingent was the most affected nationwide.

In October, it was reported that 19 police personnel from Kuala Lumpur tested positive for Covid-19.

Committed to serve

Speaking to The Malaysian Insight, KL police chief Saiful Azly Kamaruddin said all 19 police officers and personnel have recovered.

“I am grateful that all of them have recovered. We have also done screening tests and thank god the result came back negative,” he said.

Saiful Azly said his men and women are still optimistic and in high spirit.

“We are front-liners, we are here to ensure that the public is safe. Despite the worry and setbacks, they are committed to serve the people.

“We constantly remind the public that they need to wear masks and sanitise regularly. We do take action on ignorant individuals because we want to teach them a lesson as they are endangering others.”

Meanwhile, a police officer met at a roadblock told The Malaysian Insight that the public are more aware and worried about their safety than before.

However, they expressed regret over the recent spike of Covid-19 cases.

“During the early stages, many were still taking it easy but now they are following the SOP. A majority of them are following.

“The numbers had decreased a few months back but maybe all of us took it for granted and suddenly there is an increase of cases.

“Of course, there are certain parties to be blamed and now everyone is being affected. Business, education, work and many other sectors are feeling the outcome,” said an inspector who declined to be named.

He added that police officers are often told to prioritise their safety.

“We are reminded daily to wear protective gear and to sanitise regularly. Of course, we are worried but if we follow the SOP, there will be no problem.”

The Health Ministry yesterday reported 649 new Covid-19 cases and no new deaths for the first time in 21 days.

It said recovered cases exceeded new cases for the first time in nearly a month.

Sabah continues to lead with the highest total Covid-19 infections, followed by Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Kedah and Negri Sembilan. – October 30, 2020.