KUALA LUMPUR – The Home Ministry has advised Malaysians to lodge complaints with the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) if they believe their mobile phones have been searched unlawfully by police officers.

In response to Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng, the ministry clarified that only police officers ranked Inspector and above are authorized to inspect phones based on reasonable suspicion and in line with existing laws. It emphasized that phone searches are not conducted arbitrarily during roadblocks.

The ministry also outlined legal provisions for phone inspections, including the Criminal Procedure Code and the Communications and Multimedia Act, and stressed that such actions must be based on intelligence or suspicion of criminal activity.

To address complaints of police misconduct, the IPCC will soon launch the Investigation and Complaints Management System (SPEAKS), offering an easier and more transparent way for the public to report issues.