Counselling unit regularly monitor troubled police officers
Zarina Hafiz
Jun 10, 2014 00:55 MYT
Jun 10, 2014 00:55 MYT
Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar - File picture
The Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) Religion and Counseling Division (BAKA) regularly monitor its officials and police officers believed to suffer from mental or emotional disturbance, said Police Chief Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.
In an interview with Astro AWANI, Khalid said that the well-being of its officers are taken seriously as it will not only disrupt their work performance but also the image of the police as an organization with integrity.
"Officers or police officers who are distressed or in need of counselling can refer to this unit and they will be provided with counselling, advice and guidance to face all kinds of pressure," he said.
BAKA was established in 2005 following a report by RMP Travel Enhancement and Management Commission which suggested that a Religious Unit should be established for spiritual and moral development of the police officers.
BAKA has its branches in Bukit Aman as well as all contingents and district police stations nationwide. It is also placed in the General Operations Force brigades, Police Training Institute, Marine Police Force, the Federal Reserve and Air Force units.
According to Khalid, police officers who suffer from unstable emotions and thoughts are advised to seek voluntary counselling as soon as possible before they are tempted to violate work ethics.
BAKA has a total strength of 1,571 people with one-fifth of whom are police officers and the rest are public officials from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) and counselors from the Public Service Department (JPA).
In addition to pressure from the tasks and environment, BAKA also provide guidance to officers who are facing personal problems.