Our Police Officers Are Not Allowed To Visit Nightspots For Leisure Anymore

But not for our noble police officers.

The Star reported that they are no longer allowed to go to entertainment outlets for leisure.

This is a move to rebrand the police force and avoid syndicates, as told by Penang police chief Comm Datuk T. Narenasagaran.

Apparently, spotting working police officers at nightspots even when they are off-duty would decrease the public's confidence towards them.

So, in hindsight, this directive was implemented to ensure that the police get the best cooperation from the public.

"People might misconstrue that policemen go there to enjoy themselves and question their affordability. So, the ruling is to clear this misconception. Unless we are on duty or for specific reasons to be there, we should not be going to such places," Comm Narenasagaran said.

In the past, there have been allegations of police personnel's involvement in illegal activities.

"Our work involves meeting up with anybody. And, we may need to engage their help, but we cannot be in close association with syndicates or illicit activities. There are also times when we need to get information from contacts for operational purposes," he added.