Man Claims He Got A 'Saman' For Using Sunshades. Here's What The Cops Have To Say
The authorities have reminded the public not to spread false information after the man's post went viral on social media.
By Tang Ruxyn — 07 Sep 2017, 06:08 PM
A man took to social media to express his anger for being issued a summon yesterday, 6 September
In the incident that happened yesterday afternoon, he alleged that he was stopped by a police officer, who then issued a summons to him for putting up sunshades on his car windows.
He included two photos in the post, one of which showed the summons slip that stated the offence committed was "putting something on the window" (tampal sesuatu pada cermin) while the other was a photo a sunshade on the car window.
The man included a dialogue with the police officer in the post, in which he claimed that he is "anti-corruption" after the police officer allegedly asked him, "So, apa macam boss?" (So how, boss?)
The post has gone viral, receiving more than 10,000 shares at the time of writing.
The police have responded to the viral post by issuing an official statement today, 7 September.
In the statement issued by Serdang District Police chief ACP Megat Mohd Aminuddin Megat Alias, which was shared on Polis Selangor Facebook page, the authorities said that they were aware that the man's post has gone viral on social media and took the chance to point out what really happened.
According to the police, the man was driving a Toyota Hilux and the vehicle was stopped during an operation yesterday afternoon at Jalan Serdang Perdana due to its tinted windows.
The police said in the statement that a summons was issued by the traffic officer under Section 4(B) PU(A) 039/91 of the Motor Vehicle Rules (Prohibition on Specific Types of Glass).
According to a post published on Friends Of PDRM's blog today, 7 September, the 'tampal sesuatu pada cermin' offence is specified under the Motor Vehicle Rules (Prohibition on Specific Types of Glass) 1991 PU(A) 39/91 - 004(B) which states that the use of curtains, venetian blinds, or other material fitted in a motor vehicle to shield the interior of the motor vehicle is not allowed.
Additionally, the police said that the image of the sunshades on the car window is a photo that was taken from Google and it is not the actual photo of the man's vehicle
A photo of the man's driving license with what appears to be a tinted window in the background was also shared in the Polis Selangor Facebook post.
This is apparently the same image that can be seen at the bottom of the summons slip that was shared by the man earlier.
The police also said in the statement that they viewed the complaint seriously and will launch investigations against anyone who spread the viral post because "the act is purposely done to undermine the image and credibility of PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police)".
The public was reminded that action can be taken against those who distribute false information under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) and Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948.
The authorities also advised the public not to disseminate or share false information because such irresponsible acts can affect public order.
Meanwhile, the man has denied allegations that he had used a photo taken from Google's search results
The man said in new Facebook post that was published today, 7 September, that the photo of the sunshade on a window was indeed his own.
In the post, he shared a photo that shows a hand holding up a summons with a sunshade on the window in the background.
So is it illegal to put sunshades on your car window?
Although "curtains, venetian blinds, and other materials" are prohibited in a motor vehicle under Rule 4(1) of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Certain Types of Glass) Rules 1991, it appears that driver and passengers could use sunshades to shield themselves from the glare and heat of the sun.
This was revealed by Road Transport Department (JPJ) deputy director-general Datuk Yusoff Ayob, who was the then Selangor JPJ director, a few years ago.
"Motorists are allowed to use sunshades or place towels on car windows to block out the sun. This is allowed because sunshades and towels are not permanent and can be removed when needed. Stickers and curtains are permanent and they reduce the driver's view," he was quoted as saying in a report by The Star in 2012.