KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 — More Malaysian policemen will be wearing body cameras while on duty now that the government has allocated a budget of RM30 million for this.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the body cameras have been deemed a "necessity” but added that its acquisition will follow the due procurement process.

"Is it a necessity? The answer is yes. Has a budget estimate been identified? The answer is also yes.

"Of course the requirements and budget must be followed by the procurement process. The procurement process involves several ministries. In particular, the Ministry of Finance,” he told reporters after his first visit to the national police headquarters at Bukit Aman here today.

Commenting on the window within which the ministry planned to acquire the assets, Saifuddin said that the matter was outside his jurisdiction but expressed hope that it would be expedited.

"Since this procurement process involves several ministries, I also understand from the secretary-general that he will take further action.

"I am also confident that all the reasons delaying the acquisition of the body cameras can be overcome in the best possible way,” he added in reference to Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.

Saifuddin made his first official visit to the police headquarters today, where he and his deputy, Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, for a briefing by Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah.