The Malaysian police officer who went viral for allegedly assaulting a man is transferred, netizens question if that is the best course of action

A video involving a Malaysian police officer, believed to be a sergeant major at the Sri Gading Police Station in Johor, allegedly assaulting another man has been making its rounds on social media.

The officer in question has been temporarily reassigned to a unit at the Batu Pahat District Police Headquarters that does not deal with the public while awaiting investigation, according to Johor Police Chief Kamarul Zaman Mamat.

He also assured the public that the appropriate action would be taken pending the outcome of the investigation.

"This is a temporary step we have taken. Appropriate action will be taken if the investigation proves his involvement in the case," he said, according to New Straits Times.

The incident, which allegedly occurred on 15 April 2023 according to Free Malaysia Today, was brought to light when the video depicting the alleged assault surfaced on social media. In the video, a man can be seen standing over another man in his seat and pulling his hair back while slapping him repeatedly.

Kamarul Zaman mentioned that the investigation would be conducted under Section 323 of the Penal Code, addressing the charge of voluntarily causing hurt, and disciplinary proceedings would be initiated.

Offenders found guilty under Section 323 of the Penal Code may face imprisonment for up to one year or a fine extending up to RM2,000.

Malaysian public aren't too happy with the current action taken

The public's response to temporary transfer has been a mixed bag, with some being unhappy with the current action taken.

Twitter/X user ledradz commented, "Police who slap civilians get transferred to another unit, while civilians who slap police either get shot, beaten, or charged in court (or all three)."

Another user questioned the effectiveness of merely transferring problematic members. "Is that the only best solution for problematic members? How can the public trust the police to protect them? Comprehensive system reforms must be implemented immediately,” the user wrote.

Meanwhile, another user expressed disillusionment with the government sector.

"Our government sector is doomed; all problematic individuals are just transferred to different places or units. For what? To continue causing problems in public service elsewhere?" remarked @kakilepak101.

"It's nice to be a government servant. No accountability, no consequences. Pension is still on the way. And we can always create more government jobs,” said another X user.

Do you have a story tip? Email: malaysia.newsroom@yahooinc.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube.