Three M’sian traffic cops arrested over alleged bribery involving UK tourists

MALAYSIA: Three traffic policemen have been apprehended following a viral video posted online by a British couple, alleging corrupt practices by a policeman.

The incident revolves around an alleged demand for a RM100 (S$28.34) bribe to settle a speeding summons.

Perak police chief, Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, disclosed that the three officers, aged between 37 and 42 and affiliated with the state Traffic Enforcement Investigation Department, were taken into custody to aid ongoing investigations.

Their remand has been sanctioned for three days starting Tuesday (30 January) under Section 384 of the Penal Code.

“An inquiry is underway under Section 17(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, along with Section 233 of the Multimedia and Communications Act 1988,” Comm Mohd Yusri said.

He further revealed that the investigation dossier had been assumed by Bukit Aman’s Classified Crime Investigation Unit (USJT) and would subsequently be referred to the deputy public prosecutor upon conclusion.

Additionally, an internal probe by the Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS) is set to commence.

“We urge the affected individuals to step forward and cooperate with the authorities to expedite the investigation process,” Comm Mohd Yusri added.

Previously, the couple had posted on X under the username @TREADtheglobe, stating that they have already been in touch with the Malaysian police and are prepared to cooperate with the ongoing investigation regarding the case.

M’sian cop caught soliciting RM100 from UK tourists

The incident was documented in a 30-minute video uploaded by a British couple on their YouTube channel ‘TREAD the globe,’ exposing the alleged act of solicitation by the officer.

The British couple, Chris and Marianne Fisher, renowned on social media for their adventurous exploits across the globe in a campervan, captured the attention of netizens with their recent escapade in Malaysia.

In the video footage shared on 28 January, the Fishers alleged that an officer stopped them for purportedly exceeding the 60kph speed limit along Jalan Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands in their campervan named “Trudy.”

Seeking guidance, the woman driving asked the policeman what steps they needed to take.

The policeman replied, “I will issue a summons and you pay at the police station.”

He added, “If you pay at the police station, RM300 (S$85.01). Pay here it is RM100 (S$28.34). Can ah?,” the officer asked the couple.

Unaware of the officer’s intentions, the couple opted to pay RM100 on the spot, and they inquired about the need for paperwork.

The policeman assured them it was unnecessary, declaring the matter resolved.

As the couple sat discussing the incident, the man beside the driver pondered whether they were indeed speeding.

However, he considered paying RM100 (S$28.34) on the spot a preferable option compared to going to the police station and facing an RM300 (S$85.01) fine.