5 Things You Should Know About The Illegal Traffic Escorts In KL
Under the Malaysian law, the public does not have the right to stop other vehicles on the road.
By Tang Ruxyn — 20 Jun 2016, 11:29 AM
Several groups that have been running rampant in the city, offering illegal traffic vehicle escort services and impersonating as traffic police have been identified, informed KL police
In the last six months, several cases of bogus policemen posing as outriders arrested during a VIP convoy have been reported in the media.
Just last month, three men were reportedly nabbed by a police team who was patrolling at the Old Toll Plaza heading to Petaling Jaya for masquerading as civil servants.
1. The police have detained five people since January this year
Five individuals, aged between 26 and 38, had been detained from January until early this month, for their involvement in the activity.
"There was a case where a suspect was detained while riding a high-powered Honda CBX 750 motorcycle, which is similar to the motorcycles being used by the traffic police," Kuala Lumpur Traffic Police chief ACP Mohd Nadzri Hussain said.
"Apart from that, some have been using (ordinary) cars and sounding the siren just like how the (traffic) police do (when escorting)," he added.
2. Not only are they engaging in illegal activities, but these impostors are a nuisance and pose danger to the public
"There is no law that gives the right to the public to stop other vehicles to give way. Only the traffic police are authorised to do so," Mohd Nadzri said.
He said even the traffic police must undergo periodic training to improve themselves in escort duties.
"In order to obtain (their) license, the traffic police must attend a month course. There is no way civilians without proper training can suddenly operate such activity," he said.
3. These illegal escort groups get paid very handsomely
Mohd Nadzri told Bernama in an interview that the groups charge as little as RM300 per trip.
"If one trip is charged at RM300, how much can they earn in a day?"
4. It only costs RM2,000 to gear up as a police officer
Earlier this year, an exclusive b The Star revealed that it is very easy to dress up and pose as a cop, as long as you have about RM2,000 to purchase the necessary gears.
Police equipment and uniform which were thought to be exclusive to the police force were sold in the open and could be purchased without the need to produce a police ID.
5. Offenders may face up to two years of jail or a fine or both if found guilty
Impersonating a police personnel is an offence under Section 170 of the Penal Code that carries a jail term which may extend to two years or a fine or both.
Anyone who is caught for the unlawful possession, manufacture, sale or supply of articles meant for police officers and unauthorised use of the police uniform will be investigated under Section 89 of the Police Act 1967 which carries a maximum fine of RM500 or a jail term of up to six months or both.