KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23 — Police officers who refuse to assist members of the public filing a report for an emergency case due to their attire can be sacked, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah told Parliament today.

He confirmed that a new directive was issued by the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman last December, making it a serious breach of conduct for any officer to turn away an individual based on their clothing.

Speaking during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Shamsul Anuar stressed that failure to comply with this directive would be considered a serious offence.

“With this directive, disobeying means action can be taken under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, as well as PDRM’s own internal disciplinary mechanism,” he said.

“Failure to comply can result in disciplinary action under the PTPA 1993 and refusal to file a report under the said circumstances is deemed to be a serious breach, to the point that they can be sacked,” he added.

He assured the House that compliance with the directive will be monitored continuously to ensure that the public receives the assistance they need, regardless of their attire, during an emergency.

Allegations that police officers refused to receive reports because complainants were deemed not to be wearing the “appropriate” clothes sparked outrage.

The controversy prompted several lawmakers to call for a review of the rule requiring members of the public to dress a certain way when at a police station.

Just two months ago, the media reported that a mother and her daughter were denied entry to the Jasin district police headquarters because they wore skirts. The two women had wanted to report a car accident they were involved in.

Ramkarpal Singh, MP for Bukit Gelugor (DAP), today suggested that the government enact a law, arguing that a directive can be ignored because it is not codified. He said a law would also give complainants an avenue for recourse if officers violate the directive.

Anuar said the government does not feel it is necessary because the directive is legally binding.

“The directive applies to all officers at every level. But for your information, KDN feels this directive is adequate and is in force immediately,” the deputy minister said.

This directive is also tied to the circular from the Public Service Department and the Chief Secretary, making it legally binding for all public servants.