POLICE will be contacting the Singaporean couple that was allegedly asked to pay RM500 to a person identifying as a “policeman” at the Sultan Iskandar CIQ Complex in Johor Bahru.
Johor police chief, M Kumar in a statement, said police have yet to receive any report regarding the incident.
"We have officially requested assistance from the Singapore Consulate-General's office in Johor to help identify the Facebook users "Sage" and "Irene Teo" to help with the investigations," he said.
Teo had earlier claimed in her Facebook post that she and her boyfriend were extorted by the “policeman” in Johor Baru on Sunday (March 10) at about 8pm.
Her post was also shared on the “MY SG Road Trip - Your Malaysia Road Trip Guide” Facebook group with more than 75,000 members on March 11.
“He asked us for RM600 but we only had RM500 with us. He said he would do us a favour and RM500 is okay too,” she said.
“We were on the way back to Singapore from Johor Baru and were waiting in the car lane (EDL) towards the immigration in JB.
“Suddenly, a few policemen opened the lorry lane on the left and he asked us to drive on the lorry lane, which he just opened up for us,” she said.
She said they followed another car with a Singaporean licence plate, and it led them to a deserted side road beside the CIQ.
“When we looked around, we were surprised to see only two cars, including us, in the deserted area. A policeman in uniform then radioed to his colleague and a policeman came on a motorcycle and asked us why we used this route to go back to Singapore.
“We told him the police opened the lorry lane and asked us to proceed and we didn’t know it led us to the unauthorised area,” she wrote.
Teo said they immediately felt unsafe and knew the “policemen” were in cahoots.
She said they then asked the driver for his driving licence and passport, claiming that the “policeman” said he would “help” them to go back to the car lane to the CIQ.
In return, she said the man asked them for RM600 as a “fine” for driving in an unauthorised lane.
According to reports in Mothership.sg (Singapore), Teo said she has since emailed Johor Chief Minister Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi following the incident.
She also said she would like to highlight this incident to inform other Singaporeans who drive into Johor Baru.
Another Facebook user named "Sage" then posted two videos of their experience showing the alleged modus operandi used by the policemen to allegedly extort money from victims.
"We are investigating the case under Section 384 of the Penal Code for extortion, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years, a fine, whipping, or any two punishments.
"Johor police is dedicated to fighting any issues related to integrity and criminal misconduct among its officers to boost public trust in the police.
"Any policeman suspected of committing crimes will face strict action without compromise, following the principle of legal equality outlined in Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution,” said Kumar.
He also urged anyone with information on the incident to call the Johor Baru South Hotline at 07-218 2323. - The Vibes, March 14, 2024
