KUALA LUMPUR – Police must prioritise their fundamental duty of assisting the public and accepting complaints, regardless of how a person is dressed, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Speaking to Scoop, Saifuddin said no member of the public should ever be turned away when seeking help, particularly during emergencies, as the police are entrusted with safeguarding the community.
“Our police officers have a primary duty to receive reports. That duty remains, whatever the circumstance. There are no two ways about it,” he said when contacted.
Saifuddin emphasised that while dress guidelines for government offices exist, they must not be applied rigidly to the point of denying essential services.
“There is a circular on appropriate attire, yes, and it serves as our guide,” he said.
“But the circular was never intended to override common sense or compassion. When someone comes to a police station to report an accident or a crime, the priority is their safety and the urgency of the situation — not whether their clothing meets a particular standard.”
He added that the police must always differentiate between routine public dealings and situations involving distress or danger.
“When it involves safety or reporting a serious incident, that must take precedence.
“The police have to act swiftly. You cannot tell someone who has just been in an accident to go home and change clothes first. That is not the spirit of the uniform, and it is not the spirit of public service.”
His comments follow a viral incident in which a woman claimed she was denied entry into the Jasin District Police Headquarters (IPD) while attempting to lodge a report about a road accident, after being told to return home and dress more appropriately.
Melaka Police Chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar earlier said two women had arrived at the IPD at about 5pm to lodge a report after a road accident, but were advised by the officer at the entrance to change into attire deemed suitable under the public sector dress code outlined in a circular issued by the Chief Secretary to the Government on December 1, 2020.
Saifuddin said the matter had been escalated to the Cabinet for discussion.
“This issue was raised in the Cabinet meeting as well,” he said.
“We want to ensure that the police understand their priorities clearly. Guidelines are important, but they must never become barriers that stop people from getting help when they need it most.”
He added that the ministry would review the matter to ensure clearer, more practical implementation of existing dress guidelines across enforcement agencies. – December 11, 2025