Disciplinary action, including expulsion, was taken against 1,391 policemen or about one per cent of the 112,000 members of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) last year, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said Friday.

He said the cases of indiscipline included corruption, power abuse, negligence, tarnishing the PDRM's image and insubordination.

The action taken against them included warning, suspension, salary cut and demotion as provided in the Public Service Department's (PSD) general order.

"We do not compromise with any PDRM members who tarnish the reputation of the police force and appropriate action will be taken against them immediately," he told reporters at a special interview at Bukit Aman here.

Khalid said any members of the force suspected of corruption would be referred to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for investigation.

If the MACC could not prosecute them due to lack of evidence, the policemen concerned would then be referred to the PDRM's disciplinary committee for action, he added.

He said it was also compulsory for officers and members of PDRM to declare their assets every five years to facilitate documentation.

For those suspected of corruption, we would check their assets and also those belonging to their family members, he added.

He said an integrity and standard compliance department would be set up to monitor PDRM members against unlawful actions that could undermine the people's confidence in the force.

We have submitted the proposal for the setting up of the department to PSD and awaiting its decision, he added.

When asked on the security level in Sabah waters, Khalid said seven new police stations had been set up in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone, each with 150 members.

He said the kidnap incident at Pom-Pom Island in Semporna, Sabah, was a lesson to PDRM and other enforcement agency on the need for them to rectify their weaknesses.

Khalid also said preserving public order and harmony, crime prevention and enhancing integrity and standard of compliance would be among the core thrust to be focused by PDRM towards making it a world-class police force.

He said 2013 was a challenging year for PDRM during which it had to, among others, counter attacks by the Sulu terrorists in Sabah and illegal assemblies, totaling 26, which included to protest against the increase in prices of goods, the use of the word "Allah" and also on the issue of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual (LGBT).

"We will continue with the Special Op Cantas because it is an effective approach to reduce crime rate," he added.