Guang Ming Daily reported Serdang police as saying that the gangsters had been fitted with the device, but they forcefully removed them two months ago.

Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San claimed that during the two months when they were not monitored, they committed robberies and caused more damage.

Lau said the police could not take immediate action to arrest them after the devices were removed.

“In fact, the group travelled up and down the country, and committed 10 offences in two months.

“Police must answer for this. The device is supposed to safeguard public security.

“Are we saying such devices are not capable of doing what they are supposed to do, and therefore the amendment to the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca) is a futile exercise?” he asked in a press conference today.

The EMD was introduced by the government two years ago, after amending Poca, to restrict the movement of criminals, convicts or suspects to ensure public security.

Lau said by right, police should have been alerted when the devices were removed or damaged, and also should be able to know the whereabouts of the criminals at all times.

Meanwhile, DAP’s Lim Lip Eng said Bukit Aman police last year assured that with the strap, a smart tag and a beacon turned on, they could track an offender from anywhere, 24 hours a day.

The Segambut MP said the then Bukit Aman anti-vice, gaming and secret societies division principal assistant director Roslee Chik had also said the EMD system enabled police to be alerted via SMS if an offender attempted to run away from their restricted area, cut the strap or when their smart tag battery was low.

According to Lim, Roslee also said this eliminated the need for police to monitor the screen at all times, and that it would be foolish of those wearing the EMD to attempt escaping despite knowing it was an impossibility.

“It seems that whatever he said last year has gone down the drain. Nothing he said is true based on what happened recently.

“We have no choice but to ask the all-important question: was the contract for the EMD awarded by direct negotiation or open tender? Was it awarded to some crony? Were the devices top notch or sub-standard in quality?”

Lim also demanded the police to state how many devices had been damaged, how many convicts were on the loose now, and if they had brought more harm to people.

“Also, what happened to the police who were supposed to monitor the movements of the criminals? Were they sleeping? Have they been transferred to other departments without disciplinary action?

“The police should announce all these not to us, but to the public.

“The police must also tell us whether the fitting of such devices should be put on hold, and whether those who have been fitted with such devices be sent back to jail pending the outcome of investigations.

“I also want Bukit Aman to organise a tour of the centre which is supposed to monitor those on EMD, for the lawmakers from both sides and also the media, to prove that this EMD system is still working,” he said.

Between August 2015 and February 2016, a total of 335 criminals were fitted with the device.

Bukit Aman: No escape if wearing Electronic Monitoring Device

http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2015/12/21/over-200-poca-detainees-under-house-arrest/