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Police issue warning against unauthorized use of official identity for commercial gain

Published July 15, 2026 at 3:33 AM UTC

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The Royal Malaysia Police has issued a formal warning to individuals, companies, and organizations against the unauthorized use of the force's name, logo, and official identity for promotional or commercial purposes. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail stated that the police force's identity is an institutional asset that must be protected from exploitation. He emphasized that using these identifiers for marketing or advertising can mislead the public into believing that a product, service, or event has received official police endorsement.

The directive clarifies that the mere presence of police officers at an event should not be interpreted as an official sign of support or recognition. The police leadership expressed concern that such unauthorized associations could compromise the integrity of the force and create false impressions among consumers. By exploiting the public's trust in law enforcement, entities may inadvertently or intentionally deceive citizens regarding the legitimacy of their commercial activities.

Authorities have indicated that parties found to be misusing police identity could face investigation under various legal provisions, including the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. This law addresses the misuse of network facilities and services and facilities, which is often relevant when digital platforms are used to spread misleading content. The police continue to monitor for such violations to ensure that the force's reputation remains untarnished by private interests.

Moving forward, the public is advised to exercise caution and not assume that any commercial activity involving police personnel or branding has official approval. The police force remains committed to maintaining its professional image and will take necessary action against those who exploit its identity for financial gain. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious use of police branding to the authorities to help prevent potential scams or misinformation.