JOHOR BARU: Eighteen policemen and one administrative officer from the Johor police contingent have been dismissed for various offences, says state police chief Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.
He said that 11 other policemen were also under investigation over disciplinary matters, adding that their resignations were pending.
These involved cases between January and November, added Comm Ayob.
“Serious action will be taken if the police officers are found to be involved in criminal activities such as bribery, drug abuse, being in cahoots with criminal groups, or other crimes.
“I am responsible for each and every policeman and officer in the state. I will not tolerate any serious offence that tarnishes the reputation of the force,” he said while addressing the Johor police contingent monthly assembly at the state police contingent headquarters here yesterday.
On a separate matter, Comm Ayob noted that the Johor Criminal Investigation Department had found a 40% drop in criminal activities from 6,726 cases to 4,036 cases between January and November last year in the corresponding period this year.
“Violent crime has also dropped 32% this year, while property crime went down by 41%,” he said.
He said the Johor Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) arrested 12,828 people for various drugs offences, with more than 12 tonnes of drugs worth RM375mil confiscated, adding that assets worth RM30mil were seized during the same period.
The NCID, he said, had also busted 20 drug syndicates and seized five illegal drug labs and six drug storage facilities valued at RM355mil.
“As for our Special Branch, we have managed to cripple a human trafficking syndicate dubbed ‘sindiket janggut’ with the arrest of 12 men, comprising 10 Indonesians and two locals,” he added.
Comm Ayob also told the gathering that being criticised, despite doing the right thing when enforcing the law, was part and parcel of their job.
“Do not be worried if there is a drop in the number of followers on our Facebook and Instagram. We are not trying to be a celebrity or a YouTuber.
“We must hold on to our principles, be sincere, accountable, fair and just in every action,” he said.