Starting this year, all police personnel in Malaysia must maintain a body mass index (BMI) below 28 to qualify for a higher rank. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Razarudin Husain made this announcement on Thursday, highlighting the new requirement as part of the criteria for promotion within the police force. The decision, aimed at improving health and efficiency among officers, sparked a mixed response across Malaysian social media.
The announcement aligns with the World Health Organization's (WHO) BMI measurements, which classify individuals with a BMI score between 25 and 29.9 as overweight, and those with 30 or above as obese. Malaysia's police force will now follow these guidelines to ensure officers maintain a healthier lifestyle. This initiative represents a significant shift in the criteria used for internal promotions within the force, emphasizing physical health as a critical component of professional advancement.
IGP Razarudin Husain emphasized the importance of this new requirement, stating:
“This initiative is important to ensure the health and capabilities of our police officers, towards providing the best delivery of service to the public and country.” – Razarudin Husain
The announcement came during an event on Thursday, where Husain underscored the relationship between physical fitness and effective policing. By adopting WHO's globally recognized BMI standards, Malaysia intends to set a precedent for police personnel's health and capability standards.
The reaction on Malaysian social media has been varied. Some citizens support the move, viewing it as a necessary step to enhance the police force's efficiency and public service. Others argue that BMI alone should not determine an officer's ability to perform their duties or their eligibility for promotion.
The condition is specific to those seeking higher ranks within the force, meaning current personnel must adhere to these new standards if they wish to advance in their careers. This policy reflects a broader commitment to aligning the nation's police force with international health standards and enhancing overall operational effectiveness.
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