Suhakam described the IGP’s statement as troubling. The commission said the police cannot be allowed to inspect a person’s phone at roadblocks in an arbitrary manner.

The commission also urged the public to be aware of their basic rights, especially if they are stopped, questioned or arrested by the police. The people can refer to a Bar Council booklet “The Police and Your Basic Rights“, Suhakam said.

“Suhakam urges the government to clarify the IGP’s statement,” the commission said in a statement.

“Suhakam also reiterates the importance of every individual to be aware of their fundamental rights and for law enforcement officers to conduct roadblocks in a lawful and responsible manner, with care and caution.”

Razarudin had said police officers with the rank of inspector or higher have the authority to check a person’s handphone under the Criminal Procedure Code and Communications and Multimedia Act.

He said such checks must be carried out prudently and in line with existing legal provisions, not arbitrarily or without reasonable cause.

However, the Lawyers for Liberty group disputed his contention and said the police can check one’s mobile phone only in the course of an ongoing investigation or search.

The group said routine phone checks at roadblocks are prohibited by law and that the public was entitled to refuse demands by police to hand over their phones.