Illegal traffic escorts at RM300 per trip

KUALA LUMPUR: The police have identified several groups operating illegal traffic vehicle escort services in the city, with some even making a bolder move by appearing to be traffic police.

“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,” said Kuala Lumpur traffic chief Mohd Nadzri Hussain.

“They also use (ordinary) cars with sirens that sound just like the ones the (traffic) police use (when on escort duty),” he said.

He accused them of behaving like thugs on the road. “They stopped cars, blocked the traffic and caused traffic congestion. These groups are not equipped with the knowledge concerning escorting vehicles and (instead) cause anger to other road users,” he said.

He said the groups charge as little as RM300 a trip. “They get paid very handsomely. If one trip is charged at RM300, how much can they earn in a day?” said Mohd Nadzri in an interview with Bernama.

Five people, aged between 26 and 38, had been detained since January for being part of the ring.

Mohd Nadzri said the clientele comprised individuals and dignitaries (VIPs). “We are still investigating into how they solicit their clients.

Mohd Nadzri said the police were now looking at the activity seriously due to the danger it posed to people.

“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,” he 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.

Mohd Nadzri said such activity had tarnished the police image as they were likely to be blamed in case of accidents.

He said all activities pertaining to vehicle escort by the traffic police were recorded.

“Therefore, we will know every movement of our traffic police wherever they are,” he said.

He said those operating the activity could be investigated under Section 170 of the Penal Code for impersonating a police personnel which provided a jail term of up to four years or fine or both, if found guilty.

— BERNAMA