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The Malaysian Bar welcomes the affirmative response by the Royal Malaysia Police (Polis Diraja Malaysia, “PDRM”) to our proposal to include a declaration of Orang Kurang Upaya (“OKU”) (persons with disabilities) status in police reports made by complainants.
This initiative, led by the Bar Council Committee on Persons with Disabilities, aims to enable PDRM to collect accurate and disaggregated data on the number of individuals with disabilities lodging police reports. Through the inclusion of the OKU status — based on information derived from a complainant’s identification details — PDRM will be better positioned to adopt a more inclusive and needs-sensitive approach during the investigation and follow-up processes.
We are pleased to note that PDRM has confirmed that its existing Integrated Police Reporting System (“iPRS”) already supports the recording of such information. PDRM has assured the Malaysian Bar that counter officers at police stations will now actively indicate a complainant’s OKU status when reports are lodged.
This marks a progressive step towards a more inclusive policing system, and aligns with the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (“CRPD”), which Malaysia has ratified. The Malaysian Bar views this development as a significant milestone in promoting equal access to justice for the OKU community. It also reflects a shared commitment between civil society and law enforcement agencies to uphold the dignity and rights of all persons, regardless of ability.
We take this opportunity to thank PDRM for their receptiveness and cooperation, and encourage all members of the OKU community to assert their rights and utilise this improved mechanism.
Mohamad Ezri b Abdul Wahab
President
Malaysian Bar
22 July 2025