JB police taking seriously netizen’s allegation of officer receiving bribe at Causeway
The Johor Bahru (JB) police have strongly denied that an officer received a bribe from a motorist at the Woodlands Causeway.
The statement from Johor southern district police chief Raub Selamat, posted on Facebook on Saturday (18 Jan), came after a netizen shared a photo of a Malaysian police officer appearing to talk to the occupant of a car.
Source: Singaporean’s Guide to JB on Facebook
Now-deleted post alleges bribe-taking on Causeway
The since-deleted post was made in a Facebook group named Singaporean’s Guide to JB on Thursday (16 Jan).
It was captioned: “Donation Day now happening on Causeway.”
In the background of the photo is the recognisable “I (heart) Johor” sign that’s placed prominently next to the crossing.
JB police officers conducted enforcement operations on Causeway, deny bribe-taking
In the statement, Assistant Commissioner Raub said preliminary investigations found that the incident took place on the Causeway in the direction towards Singapore, about 500m away from the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in JB.
Between 5pm and 6pm, on 16 Jan, four traffic officers were carrying out enforcement operations on errant motorists. A total of 69 summonses were handed out to drivers caught cutting queues.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
All the officers on duty denied asking for or accepting cash from drivers, as alleged in the Facebook post.
In fact, they all recorded statements confirming that they carried out their duties according to procedure.
No strong evidence to confirm bribe-taking allegation: JB police
AC Raub said the police are taking the allegation seriously.
As such, they are conducting a “comprehensive investigation” to ensure there was no misconduct by officers on duty.
This includes examining CCTV footage at the location and attempting to identify witnesses, including the individual who took the photo.
As yet, there is “no strong evidence” to confirm the allegation of bribe-taking, he added.
Action will be taken against any officer who flouts the law: JB police
AC Raub emphasised that the police “will not compromise” on any misconduct involving its officers.
Strict action will be taken against any officer who flouts the law if strong evidence is found, he said.
Source: Google Maps
The police are committed to ensuring that their officers’ integrity is preserved and places a priority on fairness and transparency, he added.
Those who spread false info could face legal action
On the other hand, AC Raub warned that those who spread false information and tarnished the police’s reputation could face legal action.
He called for those with information to contact the south JB police or come in person to the police station.
Under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act, bribing an officer of any public body in Malaysia is an offence.
Offenders face a jail term of up to 20 years and a fine of at least five times the bribe amount or RM10,000 (S$3,038), whichever is higher.
Also read: S’porean Driver Claims KL Police Forced Him To Pay Bribe, Authorities Urged To Take Action
S’porean Driver Claims KL Police Forced Him To Pay Bribe, Authorities Urged To Take Action
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Featured image adapted from Singaporean’s Guide to JB on Facebook and Wikimedia Commons.
