Malaysian police investigating after video surfaces allegedly showing British tourists 'paying' traffic fine on the spot
The viral video by TREAD the globe allegedly shows a traffic officer telling the couple they would have to pay a RM300 fine unless they opted for 'cash here'.
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian police are investigating after a viral video showed a traffic officer seemingly offering to settle a British couple's speeding fine for RM100 on the spot.
The 51-second clip, shared from a 30-minute YouTube video by ‘TREAD the globe’, allegedly shows the officer telling the couple they would face a RM300 fine payable at the station unless they opted for "cash here" at RM100. The couple is then seen handing the officer money.
Azman Ahmad Sapri, Director of Bukit Aman's Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT), said in a statement that his department had detected a 'viral video' on YouTube and other social media at around 4.30pm on Sunday (28 Jan).
Azman added that the video appeared to show the "actions of traffic personnel offering to settle a fine on the spot to a British couple during their Malaysia exploration journey".
“JSPT acknowledges the incident and is conducting a detailed investigation into the allegations,” he said.
"We will not tolerate any wrongdoing by the personnel involved," he added, urging the public to refrain from speculation and come forward with any information.
Ongoing investigation into alleged bribery incident
The incident reportedly occurred as the couple, travelling around the world in a campervan, were driving from Cameron Highlands to Ipoh.
While investigations are ongoing, the authorities have not elaborated on the specific details of the case or the officer's actions. The outcome of the probe and any potential disciplinary measures remain to be seen.
It is also unknown as to whether the couple was aware of what occurred and whether they have lodged a police report.
According to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (MACC Act), bribery and corruption are serious crimes that can lead to severe punishment.
The MACC Act provides for a maximum jail term of 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the sum of the gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
In a recent case, a police sergeant was charged under Section 165 of the Penal Code for receiving bribes amounting to RM11,600 over two years from 2017. He pleaded not guilty and was charged with a maximum jail term of two years or fine or both, if convicted.
Another case involved a traffic cop who was found guilty of bribery and was sentenced to four years in jail and a fine of RM35,000.
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