AUTHORITIES have launched a major joint operation to dismantle a sophisticated protection syndicate that has long shielded commercial vehicle operators from the law through bribery and corruption.
The campaign, known as Ops Middleman, was rolled out early this morning by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in collaboration with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and supported by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
Several media outlets, including Malay Mail, were embedded with enforcement teams to observe the operations firsthand, which involved inspections and monitoring sweeps across Nilai in Negeri Sembilan and various locations throughout the Klang Valley.
During the raids, numerous lorries were intercepted for spot checks, with officers confiscating several vehicles and issuing summonses for offences ranging from overloading to technical non-compliance. JPJ and police personnel conducted rigorous document and physical inspections, while MACC officers monitored for any signs of bribery or interference from middlemen, locally known as tontos.
MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya said the crackdown was aimed at crippling what he described as a “planned and systematic syndicate” that has served as a benchmark for other middlemen networks.
“Based on investigations over the past six months, we found that this syndicate has been protecting various road transport offences across Malaysia. At least 300 companies are believed to have paid bribes to this network,” he told reporters at the scene.
Ahmad Khusairi said that millions of ringgit were allegedly funnelled from logistics companies to the syndicate, which then channelled the funds to corrupt enforcement officers in exchange for turning a blind eye to road offences. He added that previous enforcement operations had failed due to information leaks from officers involved in the network, but authorities have now identified the mastermind behind the syndicate.
“Hundreds of companies are believed to be operating under this main syndicate, and we have so far managed to maintain surveillance on the mastermind,” he said, stressing the grave risks posed by unsafe and non-compliant heavy vehicles. “These vehicles are like moving bombs on the road.”
He attributed the success of Ops Middleman to close cooperation between the MACC, JPJ, and the Royal Malaysia Police, praising the joint operation as a prime example of effective inter-agency collaboration in tackling corruption linked to public safety.
“I would like to thank JPJ for sharing information with us. This is one of the best examples of agencies working together to resolve the problem of middlemen who have long dominated operations on our roads,” Ahmad Khusairi said.
Authorities confirmed that the operation is ongoing, with investigations widening to target additional companies and individuals linked to the syndicate. Further arrests and enforcement actions are expected in the coming days as officials continue to dismantle the network. - February 24, 2026
