Home Ministry: Video Recording & Live Streaming Police Raids Or Arrests Could Be A ‘Crime’

Although we’re well aware that it is a crime for enforcement officers to record or livestream themselves or the situation whilst doing their duties, did you know that it is also a crime for us to do the same?

Recently the Home Ministry clarified that video recording and live streaming police raids or arrests on your phone can be a crime if you get in the way of the Royal Malaysian Police Force (PDRM).

In a written reply last Thursday (July 28) in Parliament, the Home Ministry said that while taking pictures or recording videos is not a crime, obstructing a public servant from carrying out their duties is one.

This is provided for in Section 186 of the Penal Code which says that, “Those who record (police raids and arrests) can have action taken against them because it is assumed (that they are) stopping public servants from doing their jobs, besides disturbing investigations.”

“It also goes against provisions that are in accordance with Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998, which (criminalises) transmissions that intend to harass others.”

Meanwhile, the Home Ministry also said that PDRM officers can ask, check and confiscate mobile phones of those under suspicion and who are involved in any ongoing investigations.

However, the police can only check a person’s phone if they are suspected of committing a crime under six laws which are the Penal Code, Section 233 of the CMA, the Sedition Act 1948, Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA), Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 and Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015.

What do you think of this?

Also read: PDRM Surprise Urine Drug Test Reveals Multiple Officers Are Repeat Drug Offenders