KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: The federal police logistics department has recommended to the Home Ministry that the contracts of several regular firms who supplied them with sub-standard equipment be terminated or suspended immediately.

Its director Commissioner Datuk Mashuri Zainal said his department had to take such drastic action as the lives and health of police officers and men were at stake.

He said bullet-proof vests and other equipment like anti-riot gear, including helmets, purchased through direct negotiations had been put on hold, as they had not been fully tested by the department for their safety features.

"The special committee set up by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan to conduct pre-delivery inspection of equipment purchased has unearthed many scary details.

"Initial investigations by the committee also revealed the involvement of not only police officers and men, but also civil staff and unscrupulous suppliers appointed by the Home Ministry," he told The Star.

At least 12 people, including police and civil staff, have been transferred and placed under investigation for alleged involvement in the matter.

Comm Mashuri said other shocking findings made by the special committee included the discovery of pigskin characteristics on the collar of SWAT boots. The Chemistry Department conducted a test on the boots and came to this conclusion.

The boots deal was projected to cost a whopping RM54mil.

Comm Mashuri said even drill boots used by recruits were not according to specifications and failed the test conducted by the Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE).

"The heels fall off easily and the material used is not waterproof, while the boots worn by traffic policemen are also not waterproof as required.

"What shocked us even more was that the boots worn by our Federal Reserve Unit personnel and those on United Nations duty in Timor Leste are not even nail-proof," he added.

Comm Mashuri said the vision flicker lights, used during roadblocks, posed a threat to both the officers manning the roadblocks as well as to the motorists as they were not bright enough.

Even roadblock signage as well as the luminous cones had to be returned, as they were too flimsy and damaged easily.

The special committee, Comm Mashuri said, also inspected the single iron bed, mattress and pillow used by police recruits following frequent complaints.

"We found the iron rods used for the beds to be thinner than specified, while the pillows did not meet Malaysian standards, and were fire hazards.

"Our officers are uncovering more and more shoddy dealings as they probe further into the matter," he said, adding that even the machetes (parangs) were smaller than specified, rusted easily and broke when used to chop branches.

Comm Mashuri said he and his officers would continue to conduct stringent checks as required under circular SPP 5/2007 issued by the Treasury involving the management of moveable assets.

The circular requires the receiving officer to ensure goods received met the required specifications, including testing them and ensuring the measurements, including weight, quality and quantity, were according to the order.

The goods must also be safe to use and in good working condition.

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