Putrajaya: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) are set to convene for discussions on the protocols surrounding police inspections of mobile phones owned by the public.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has instructed Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain to deliver a comprehensive explanation on mobile phone inspections from a law enforcement viewpoint. He emphasized that PDRM is restricted from conducting phone checks without legitimate reasons, which must be informed by intelligence reports rather than arbitrary actions.

In addressing the issue, Saifuddin Nasution raised a pertinent question about the police’s ability to act on information regarding individuals suspected of criminal activities, including terrorism, if barred from inspecting mobile phones. This was in light of a recent SUHAKAM statement claiming that such checks, especially during roadblocks, are a breach of human rights.

Earlier this year, Razarudin stated that the police are empowered to examine mobile phones if there is suspicion or credible evidence suggesting a person is engaged in unlawful activities. This authority is provided under Section 23(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, which seeks to regulate content that is obscene, offensive, threatening, or harmful.

Saifuddin Nasution also mentioned that individuals feeling aggrieved by what they consider an invasion of privacy through these actions have the right to file a report, prompting an investigation into the matter.